Revolutionary F-35 Fighter Reaches Its Most Important Milestone

[rangerrebew]

Revolutionary F-35 Fighter Reaches Its Most Important Milestone
Loren B. Thompson

August 1, 2016
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Fifteen years after development began and ten years after it first took flight, the F-35 fighter is operational with the U.S. Air Force.  This week's announcement of initial operational capability for the F-35A is arguably the most important milestone in the tri-service fighter's evolution, because the Air Force will buy over 70% of the plane's domestic production run (1,763 of 2,443 aircraft), and its variant is the version that the vast majority of overseas allies will acquire. (Editor's Note: The U.S. Air Force IOC announcement is anticipated for Aug. 2 - DM)

So it is no exaggeration to say that the Air Force buy is the linchpin of the whole program.  Without it, the cost of Navy and Marine Corps variants would be prohibitive.  The economies of scale generated by purchasing three variants with high commonality to meet the future tactical aircraft needs of the entire joint force were the inspiration for the program at its inception in the Clinton years, and they remain compelling today.  If the services stick with their plans, the F-35 will end up costing no more per plane than the legacy aircraft they replace.

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/revolutionary-f-35-fighter-reaches-its-most-important-17203

[Crazieman]

It still sucks, costs a lot of money, could have upgraded F-15s, 18s, and A-10s, and built more 22s?

[SZonian]

http://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-too-stealthy-2016-8

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/03/01/norwegian-f-35-pilot-counters-controversial-dogfighting-report/81170580/

[EC]

Most important milestone to date.

Actually working is the most important milestone.

[rangerrebew]

This is even being reported in Russia.