When the US builds a new aircraft, it goes into LRP (Low Rate Production) initially. I wonder if it can do the same at the tail end, with the line still open, but say half the rate of production? Stretch out the already-ordered forgings a bit longer..
This is already pretty standard, with companies reducing the rate of manufacture to stretch the line for as long as possible to secure further orders. Indeed, Boeing did as much with the C-17, reducing production from 15 aircraft per year, down to 13, and again down to the current rate of 10. Anything lower than this was just not economically viable.