re: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Thread
Any major program like this, particularly with concurrent production and testing, is going to have problems. Some of them will be major. But in almost all cases, such programs overcome these issues and move on and end up being very valuable assets.
Why? Usually it is because the capabilities being sought are so important, and represent significant game changers, that they nation developing them is willing to live through the issues, weather the problems, spend the money, and get the new programs into their arsenals.
I sincerely believe and have utmost faith...personally knowing some of the players involved...that this will absolutely be the case with the F-35. So, again, with that in mind, I will make the following predictions:
1) GE is going to find and resolve this issue fairly quickly. They have very bright people, and it is an absolutely critical program for the company.
2) The testing, flight programs, and continued preparations for IOC for the Marines, Air Force, and then Navy are going to pick right back up and continue making good progress as soon as the resolution is had.
3) Customers are going to continue with the program. They know the US and its suppliers, as well as suppliers from those partner nations, are wholly dedicated to this and will not let it fail in the least.
4) The F-35 will go into full production for all three aircraft.
5) The F-35 will end up being the most widely available, the most widely exported, and cheapest full production 5th generation aircraft available.
6) The F-35 will be, once all the doctrine taking advantage of its amazing capabilities are developed and put to use, will set the overall standard for effectiveness in both the attack and air defense role.
7) The F-35 will ultimately be known as the F-16 of its era.
In the mean time, all we can do is watch the news, listen to our sources, and let time reveal what happens.
Time will definitely tell.
Any major program like this, particularly with concurrent production and testing, is going to have problems. Some of them will be major. But in almost all cases, such programs overcome these issues and move on and end up being very valuable assets.
Why? Usually it is because the capabilities being sought are so important, and represent significant game changers, that they nation developing them is willing to live through the issues, weather the problems, spend the money, and get the new programs into their arsenals.
I sincerely believe and have utmost faith...personally knowing some of the players involved...that this will absolutely be the case with the F-35. So, again, with that in mind, I will make the following predictions:
1) GE is going to find and resolve this issue fairly quickly. They have very bright people, and it is an absolutely critical program for the company.
2) The testing, flight programs, and continued preparations for IOC for the Marines, Air Force, and then Navy are going to pick right back up and continue making good progress as soon as the resolution is had.
3) Customers are going to continue with the program. They know the US and its suppliers, as well as suppliers from those partner nations, are wholly dedicated to this and will not let it fail in the least.
4) The F-35 will go into full production for all three aircraft.
5) The F-35 will end up being the most widely available, the most widely exported, and cheapest full production 5th generation aircraft available.
6) The F-35 will be, once all the doctrine taking advantage of its amazing capabilities are developed and put to use, will set the overall standard for effectiveness in both the attack and air defense role.
7) The F-35 will ultimately be known as the F-16 of its era.
In the mean time, all we can do is watch the news, listen to our sources, and let time reveal what happens.
Time will definitely tell.
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