Message posted by rogue_variable on May 22, 2009 at 20:54:43 PST:

Unfortunately we have no idea what our future needs may be. If, G-d forbid, we have to go toe to toe with China or Russia, out fighter force is on the average 20 years old (Air Force) and 15 years old (Navy). 187 Raptors (137 combat and the rest test and training) along with an aging fleet of 15's 16's and 18's will be stretched thin. The Air Force has also just announced that the 15's and 16's that were to be retired in 2011 will be retired next year. To the tune of some 250 planes. And remember also that the original plan for 22's was some 750 planes. This year it was determined that the planned 264 would be "medium risk. Now the 187 is described as "medium to high" risk. 35's are so far pretty much an unknown quantity, and most likely won't see squadron service until 2013 anyway. We have got to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Can't just fire up an assembly line and start cranking out fighters. The shooting would be over by then. Let's just hope and prey that things are quiet for the next few years.

In Reply to: Re: Spirit and Raptor photos posted by Mark on May 22, 2009 at 20:21:02 PST:

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