The Skunk Works New Proposal: FB-22 with Active Visual Stealth!, page 2
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reply posted on 2-12-2004 @ 05:41 PM by engineer
Red Golem-

Yes, IIRC the target price was around $30-$35 Mil for the A model. But these numbers aren't really hard and fast until contracts for serial production are inked. The DOD issues contracts for projects, not individual AC. Unit prices vary depending on a lot of factors. So each year, funds are allocated towards a particular program, but you can't really say that a particular aircraft costs "x" dollars. Develpoment costs are front loaded into the initial LRIP orders, so when serial production is underway, unit costs decrease. So the final unit costs are entirely dependent on the number of actual aircraft produced, because development costs are amortized over the life cycle of the platform.

That's why you hear so many different numbers for the F/A-22. The program is defined, but as costs go up, the total number of AC decreases to keep the program cost the same. It's impossible to specify a final unit cost until the program is completed. The order for this year was something like $4.1 Bn. for 24 AC plus spares. When it goes into serial production, The same $4.1 Bn. may buy 36 AC. At the end of the production cycle, the same dollars may buy 48 planes, because the associated early on costs go away. Those number are program costs, there are spares, training, IOT&E costs, simulator costs, etc. included. Follow-on orders, foreign sales, and spin-off projects all combine to affect the numbers.

Ground_Zero-

I am not sure which version of the AGM-84 you are referring to. The ER has been in production for a long time. The ATA seems to be in competition with the JASSM, even though they have different capabilities. I think the JASSM will win out in the long run.

As far as your three questions on the NG proposal for the interim bomber, I don't know, I don't know, and I don't know. (I wish I did)


[edit on 2-12-2004 by engineer]
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