This here shows the true irony in our current procurement system. The A-10 was first produced in 1972, is simple in design, rugged in construction, and a master at its tasks. This plane has been in service for over 40 years and is still beloved by its pilots. The A-10 is a flying armored bathtub that has saved numerous pilots with its survivability. The A-10 costs 13 million each. Now the F-35 is still barely getting off the ground. Has cost billions to develop, costs 35 million each and is a flying computer which pilots often sight as being unwieldy.
Don’t forget maintainable. Some of its control surfaces even interchange side to side to make service and replacement easier.
The A-10A cost $13 million in 1972. That equates to $75 million in 2016 dollars, for an aircraft with no radar, no fire control computing, no laser designator, no FLIR camera, and no multi-function displays.
Just because an aircraft cost $13 million 45 years ago doesn't mean it cost $13 million to replicate today.