Original postings by Brat:
And yes, the US is indeed a major economic power, capable of many things, however, would you care to comment on the angled flight deck, landing mirrors on carriers, the F-35B’s vertical lift system, and why the USMC bought Harriers, before you get too carried away with US omnipotence and total capability.
The USMC bought Harriers because they were available at the time and were cheap to procure, glad you had them available, the US didn't have to spend $$$s to develop a competing aircraft. If angled flight decks were such a wonderful idea, why are two new UK carriers being built without them? We in the US think angled flight decks with catapult and trap capabilities along with landing mirrors are the best for major carriers, good borrowed ideas, and you?
When you become as mature in age as I am you will find there isn't much that didn't exist before your time, note the date, 1973:
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/c...9730013203.pdf
What qualifies a tier 1 supplier? Care to comment.
There are three levels of international participation. The levels generally reflect the financial stake in the program, the amount of technology transfer and subcontracts open for bid by national companies, and the order in which countries can obtain production aircraft. The United Kingdom is the sole “ Level 1” partner, contributing US$2.5 billion, which was about 10% of the planned development costs. Since that time, your contribution is less than 10% because the development cost have risen substantially. However, thank you for your contribution that earned you a "Level 1" status, I really hope all works out for you. BTW, noting four F-35s were in the UK this week, but on the way to Israel, did you all get first dibs on more than the first 4 F-35Bs as a "Level 1 contributor? Israel is a "Level 3" contributor and I recognize they aren't buying F-35Bs which are more complex than the A version.
A large number of senior pilots from various airforces, qualified on the latest front line fighters, have been involved in the acceptance of and integration of the F-35 into those various airforces, and not many have been complaining about being sold a 'Bill of Goods’
We will see once they have their full contingent of F-35s, and see the readiness availability along with the cost of maintaining them, something LM didn't advertise much in their sales promotions when compared to the superb technical capabilities of the aircraft that remain unfulfilled .
The ‘Bill of Goods’ you are so dismissive off appears to been vetted by a number of very much more qualified people than your good self, and approved for purchase by a number of airforces, experience I venture you do not possess.
There is much personal pride at stake when placing an early stamp of approval on a product. Such was the case with the F111, it was the cat's meow of its day, eventually it all faded away. Pilots don't make procurement decisions, politicians, civilians and high ranking officers do, many of which should be retired before any decisions are reached. Pilots are left to confirm the procurement decisions if they want to advance or stay employed in the military.
Your suggestions, along with your posts, appear regretfully, to fall short of the authority you appear to credit, and present them.
Nice to see you've moved your usual zinger to the end of your post instead of your opening line, a show of marginal progress...
