Was the F35 program a wise decision
Yes, it is a good aircraft
Side Score: 1
|
No, it is not very effective
Side Score: 2
|
|
|
|
So here's the thing. I don't know as much about it as you so I did some quick internet searches. Indeed there are articles ragging on how expensive this thing is and that it should be scrapped. But then I also came across this one... And I'm not at all saying that one article makes up for all the counter ones. Indeed the US is a military industrial complex and surely there are news sources (perhaps the one I gave) which serve to promote and sell. But I'm struck by the pilots talking about the special heads up technology that allows them to see through the frame of their plane for better awareness and targeting and everything a pilot needs to see and do. And I'm thinking as I read that then probably there are techs built into this plane which are intended for much broader applications, like space travel, navy, even in controlling of drones. So what I'm saying is this might not really be about the actual plane. when I look at that plane's body it's just a sexed up hybrid of the Hornet and Eagle and maybe even some Soviet versions I think I've seen. It isn't that the plane, as an individual war tool, is all that revolutionary. Instead it's the tech breakthroughs this program funded, which may be. Side: Yes, it is a good aircraft
|
1
point
Absolutely fucking not. 5 trillion was it? Down the toilet on a plane that doesnt fly and is only MARGINALLY more advanced than the planes we already have. nevermind theres no currently threat that warrants such advanced tech. Were fighting dudes with AKs, cell phones, and toyota pickup trucks. Not the goddamn KGB. Side: No, it is not very effective
1
point
I only wish to clarify on one point. The F-35 WOULD have been far cheaper if left to the Air Force and Army requirements. One of the things that truly caused issues was the USMC's desire to have an upgrade to the Harrier and its vertical takeoff ability. It was a brilliant concept, having one platform with multiple variations to choose from. Not only for the US, but this was eventually supposed to be a large NATO project as well; to bring more balance to joint coalition operations, to offer upgraded equipment to allies, and to solve some of the radar signature issues of the past. During Operation Desert Storm, French Aircraft (Mirage F1) had issues with being targeted by coalition members because Iraq was using the same air craft. Side: Yes, it is a good aircraft
|