USAF To Extend F-16s To Cover F-35 Delays

At an upgrade cost of $2.82 to $3.29 billion. Quite a costly mistake wouldn't you say? Maybe this is their way of stimulating the economy.

Jessshhhh, just last week I was debating in another forum thread the need to dump the F-35 lightning II due to ever spiraling upwards cost overruns (defense contractor price gouging if you ask me and no weapons program procurement transparency)...and the need to upgrade the F-16C Block 50/52 with newer radar and avionics.

Looks like I had a crystal ball after all! LOL Geee, am I good or what? [sorry it's been a long long day and hardly any sleep the night before!]

Why do they want to make them longer? Will it be a similar exercise as carried out on the Hercules - they made some longer by extending them.

Tony

Let me address that since I have a little involvement in both programs.

First, the F-16 airframe can be adapted with new avionics and has been since its conception. However, the F-16 can not be configured to approach the stealth capabilities of the F-35, nor can it be configured for short takeoff or vertical landing roles.

The F-35 will prove cheaper in the longer run when you consider it is one airframe that not only serves all branches of our military, but a host of international partners (with obviously different avionics packages). This improves pilot and support personnel training, serviceability, and reduces parts and technical training loads considerably when compared to the current array of fighters on the tarmac.

The F-35 should also prove a more efficient aircraft in that it has a longer range.

There are other advantages to the F-35. Pilot loading will be lower than the F-16.

Second, it is understandable that there would be cost issues when dealing with an international market and its changing requirements. The real issue is one of timing. We are all experiencing an economic crises and the threat of cuts are huge, which is causing reduction in orders and commitments. This will increase costs in and by itself.

Third, while I can't speak for other contractors to the program, we have been working very hard to offer products and services which are highly economical, yet of the highest quality. I think it unfair to simply follow the paradigm of anything defense is simply overpriced. There are exceptions to this, but it is not possible to keep costs on defense related products as low as consumer goods because the volumes are not there (we make our products to order and orders of 10 to 15 at a time is a big order) and defense industries require unusual standards and practices in design and manufacturing compared to a grill you buy at Home Depot. We manufacture here in the USA and the defense industry can't use China or other cheap labor sources for their products.

Lastly, it would be insane to dump the only 5th generation fighter the US has (excluding the limited number of F-22s, which no more will be made). The US has the best military on the planet and the biggest role in those affairs. We are supposed to be the guardian of freedom and the idea that other nations (i.e., China and Russia) would vigorously pursue 5th generation fighters and the US be conspicuously absent in that theater is absurd.