Originally Posted by
Turbine D
MSOCS,
...........
The unit cost of the F-35A is $109.88 million (recurring cost) in FY 2016. The airframe costs $64.47 million, the F135-PW-100 engine costs $13.06 million, the avionics cost $16.74 million, while other costs make up the remaining $15.61 million.
The unit cost of the F-35B is $121.33 million (recurring cost) in FY 2016. The airframe costs $71.81 million, the F135-PW-600 engine (coupled to the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem) costs $30.82 million, the avionics cost $16.33 million, while other costs make up the remaining $2.37 million.
The unit cost of the F-35C is $117.83 million (recurring cost) in FY 2016. The airframe costs $86.09 million, the F135-PW-400 engine costs $13.06 million, the avionics cost $16.36 million, while other costs make up the remaining $2.32 million........
Turbine, any idea on the significant differences between airframe and "other" costs between the A, B, C? I can't fathom that the C airframe costs $22M more than the A. Yes I know different wing and tail hook, etc, but that seems like a lot. And why is the "other" cost for the A so much higher? A shell game? Govt' furnished equipment differences?
Spaz- yes, thank for posting that photo. I had the pleasure of seeing 4 F-35C's depart Oceana NAS around noon on Saturday and scream out over my sons soccer game- likely headed out to the WASHINGTON. They departed in about 10 second intervals. First time I had seen a C in person, neat. Sound was similar to the Super Hornets that we see all the time. The wing is noticeably larger that the B's I have seen.