Warbird Information Exchange

Okay, I'll say this as simply and as clearly as possible:

1) The F-22 is completely worth any and all the $ we are spending on it.

2) Anyone who says that the F-15 and F-16 are plenty enough to maintain US air superiority for the next 20-30 years is not privvy to knowing the capabilities of currently-fielded aircraft such as the Su-27 carrying the PL-12 missile or the double-digit Russian SAMs currently for sale (S-300 and better). The threat is not EMERGING. The threat is HERE and flying with the Chinese Air Force TODAY.

I would seriously doubt the ability of the USAF to maintain air superiority/air dominance against a Flanker/PL-12 threat (e.g. China) with only our currently-fielded F-15 and F-16 fleets. I personally would feel very threatened flying the "newest" fighter in the USAF fleet (if you don't count the Raptor and Lightning) against the current crop of Russian SAMs, which are fielded in numerous countries as we speak.

Besides, what's the alternative? STOP building it, and then take ANOTHER 20 years to build its replacement? The F-22 SHOULD HAVE been operational in the early 1990s (the YF-22/YF-23 competition was in the late 1980s, folks). Instead we have waited 15 years because of tightening defense budgets. This would be like The P-51 being designed in 1939 and becoming operational in 1953.

Bottom line: Raptor is expensive, but it is a capability we need.

As an aside...anyone who thinks that Raptor is "taking food off the table" of other defense programs needs to take a look at the defense budget. That may have been true 5 years ago, it is NOT true today.

I guess after proffesional consultation the problem is more dire than thought! It can be concluded that we need more of F-22's at all costs to protect the freedom loving people of the world from those who would ensnare us with their overbearing, corrupt, political thinking. I'm sure China would love for us to discontinue the F-135 and F-22 production.

Pretty sad that the politicians and military leaders of this country can convince the general public that we NEED new military platforms while the city of New Orleans still looks the same two years after the hurricane I wonder how much good could be done there in New Orleans if we were to spend the same amount on the recovery effort as is being spent on the USS George H.W.Bush???

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Earn my respect and never lose it.
Demand my respect and never gain it. -Me

...just another plane dreamer.

Thats funny

Pretty impressive video

[url]http://www.kbvp.com/extreme-videos/f-22-raptor[[/url][/url]

The F-22 was concieved, designed, and "sold" 20 years before Katrina (reference the "Advanced Tactical Fighter", or ATF program).

The F-35 program was in the works 10 years prior to Katrina (reference the Joint Advanced Strike Technology, or JAST program).

Which "new" military platforms are you thinking of that are competing against funds to repair New Orleans?

Don't worry C-17s and and Blackhawks and other branch of the military were there in New Orleans to provide the needed airlift to save lives of many. The military airlift C-17s, C-141,s C-130,s transported many up to New England from the huricane raveged area. Many people were provided vouchers from the goverment and locals that build the engine for the F-22 collected and provided additonal funds. The local Casinos helped also and reportedly fed and provided drinks to many at the slot machines and roulete tables and which allowed victoms to rethink their situation in life.. Even Financial Planning was provided. I 'm just glad we were here with team raptor to help.

If the government is going to waste money at least its being wasted on airplanes!

Can't the F-15 and F-16 vs. SAMS inadequacies that Randy mentions be remedied by updating electronic countermeasures?

I think that's why the F-22 with it's stealth characteristics is needed - anything that has to be countered with ECM is vulnerable to being figured out - it's been happening ever since WW2 - you find out you're vulnerable to a new electronic system, you build something to jam it, and they figure it out and you have to find a new way to counter them - if you reduce all of the ECM because their electronic devises to see you, then you break the cycle! At least that's how I understand the theory...

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

That's all I need to hear. Case closed.

same here..... good enough for me too. thanks randy.

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

Careful everyone, lets everyone be civil.

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Scott Rose
Editor-In-Chief/Webmaster
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Is the F-22 going to be the last U.S. fighter with a seat?

Phil

so it's claimed!!

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!