New U.S. Stealth Jet Can’t Fire Its Gun Until 2019

[Sonny Clark]

We're in good hands when it comes to defense contractors. How many times have we read about cost over-runs, delayed deliveries, and malfunctioning weaponry and Hi-tech systems?

New U.S. Stealth Jet Can t Fire Its Gun Until 2019 - The Daily Beast

Can anyone even wrap their minds around the astronomical sums of money we pay out to defense contractors? The Department of Defense, along with and including the usual and customary cost of keeping our military funded, just may bankrupt the U.S. In addition, it's well known that planes and ships are built that the military neither need nor want. And, remember, part of the defense budget is kept top secret and not included with data supplied by the government. Where is the limit to failed programs and equipment that we either can't use or don't need?

 

[OldUSAFSniper]

You're absolutely correct about much closer scrutiny and oversight, but I am hesitant to indict an entire industry, especially given the complexity of the weapons systems they produce. The M1A2, the F-16, A-10, M-16, the F-15, the AMRAAM, the FB-111, the B-2, the B-1, the Patriot missile system, the Gerald R. Ford Carriers and the list goes on and on. What do they have in common? These are all weapons systems that were touted as too expensive, too complex, death traps for those who use them, didn't do what they were supposed to do and finally, the United States did not need them.

The F-35 is a fifth generation fighter that is very complex. The software for the aircraft that fires the weapon (the reason why the gun is having difficulties, not the gun itself) has become an issue. The software integrates the new helmet aiming capabilities with the aircraft and will significantly increase the chance of a hit. Fixed sights are the stone age when compared to the new system. 25mm ammunition is not light and is the main reason for only 180 rounds. The A-10, which was built AROUND THE GUN, only carries 1,174 rounds and at 3,390 rounds per minute, barely 20.78 seconds at full cycle. Besides, the long bursts popularized by Top Gun is complete fiction. Additionally, the F-35 is to the F-22 as the F-16 is to the F-15. They compliment each other.

In 1970, the F-15 was said to be the worst possible expenditure of money in the history of the United States. It did not fly as fast as it needed to, it's alleged main rival (the Mig 25), flew almost twice as fast. The Mig carried twice the armament and was integrated with ground controllers. The F-15 (gasp) was not able to be integrated electronically with ground controllers and therefore could never go head-to-head. The possibility of a ground-attack version of any type was thought to be impossible because of it's large size. Naturally, the F-15 has NEVER lost an air-to-air battle, regardless of who has flown her into battle. The Israeli's, the Saudis, the Japanese, and several others swear by this aircraft. The F-15E is the most capable and feared ground-attack platform flying today, outside of the A-10. It is still being produced for export to those who can get her, and many countries would LOVE to get their hands on a number of copies. Yet the Mig-25, now sits on Siberian runways in the service of their lowest priority units. Those that are not being given away to 'allies' sit and RUST.

To sharpen a knife, you slowly, yet methodically grind the blade to a fine edge. It takes time, patience and commitment. The F-35 WILL BE another incredible aircraft, I have no doubt.