What a fiasco. We designed a faster and better jet for China, and saddled the US with a less capable aircraft for the next 50 years. Just foolish to think one aircraft can do every role of all 3 services.
The worst part is, the pentagon is 110% committed to this aircraft. This is it, there is no alternative.
Lockheed played the US like a Wall Street banker.
I have always thought the "jump jet" idea was something that only paper generals could believe in. And I've never liked this one size fit's all idea...again, looks good on paper to accountants, but it just doesn't reflect the real world.
Meanwhile, there sits the poor US Army infantry soldier who just got screwed again. Because no one's even talking about a close air support aircraft...other than to phase out the one we have.
This is white collar crime at the highest levels.
