Originally Posted by
Fonsini
Has anyone improved their opinion of the F-35 since this thread began, I sense a slight change in the wind, just slight mind you.
Perhaps like most (all?) controversial weapons programs, once the type starts seeing operational service in sizable numbers the furor goers down a notch. In the US we saw this with the V-22 and other programs. Lots has happened since this thread started, and while there is still a ways to go we have seen:
- 265+ F-35 deliveries
- 66 built in the last year
- Ever increasing customers achieving milestones (first crews, deliveries, new orders...)
- Operational service declared (yes with pages of back and forth of what that means)
- New assembly and support facilities- not just LM Fort Worth anymore
- Some cost control on the F-35A (if you believe it)
- Some positive reports (if you believe it)
- Participation in increasingly advanced exercises.
- Deployments overseas.
- Ever increasing capabilities (with still much to go)
I opine that once the product hits the fleet, and at least shows it brings some capability, the furor lessens. Note I did not say the costs or questions lessen.