Lockheed and suppliers invest millions to bring F-35 costs down

$80 Million in then-year dollars is a pretty impressive price considering the capabilities of the plane. Despite the development which has been a massive debacle, $80 million then-year in ~2019 dollars is good value.

Well Zaph...from what I have read this aircraft does NOTHING really well....its roles too varied and disparate from each other.....
Like taking a hammer to every problem cause its the only tool you have......results will vary.....

a reply to: stirling

NO multirole aircraft does anything really well. That's the problem with them. It doesn't matter what multirole you cite, it doesn't do at least one role well at all. The F-18 has horrid range restrictions depending on the payload, unless it's staying almost on top of the ship. The F-15E, despite being an F-15 modification doesn't dogfight well because it's so heavy. If you look back at previous multirole aircraft you'll see the same thing. There was always something that it didn't do well, and it wasn't excellent at anything in its mission. That's one reason that they stayed away from them as much as they did for so long.

a reply to: Zaphod58

I don't doubt that lockheed is also cutting costs in the work force.

They got the contract here, and many other posts, got rid of many workers over 50 (except the ones who actually get paid too much to just sit and do nothing all day). They also have some mechanics on call instead of full time and reduced other positioned which in turn reduced pay.

originally posted by: stirling
Oh great we are getting a price reduction on an already inferior aircraft...............big deal.....
The F 35 is an ill conceived and over bloated POS,......the countries getting them will be sorry they did......

Just wait...when it reaches combat rediness people will see how good of a fighter the F-35 is. The only problem is its expensive right now. But whats going to make this fighter just a great jet is the helmet and the DAS system.



Most likely the F-35 wont be in many dogfights anyway. The raptors will be in the area during a time of war anyway to take care of that threat. But firing an ANRAAM from 100 miles away before they even see you is what its all about.