The problem with the F-35 and program's like it is that while governments are funding development there is no incentive to go to production.
In the old days, when the military wanted a new fighter they would put out a contract for tender and interested companies would put forward prototypes at their own cost.
The winning fighter would be selected for production and the company would make money from the machines they built.
Nowadays, the aircraft companies can drag out development for years while the government just keeps pouring money in.
The other thing to consider is the limited production runs of modern fighters.
They cost so fucking much that only a few can be bought whereas in the old days thousands would be built.
Think about the F-22, just 200 airframes were built. That would barely cover the cost of tooling up for the damn things. So there won't be much money in producing the things.
No, the real money is now in development.
In the old days, when the military wanted a new fighter they would put out a contract for tender and interested companies would put forward prototypes at their own cost.
The winning fighter would be selected for production and the company would make money from the machines they built.
Nowadays, the aircraft companies can drag out development for years while the government just keeps pouring money in.
The other thing to consider is the limited production runs of modern fighters.
They cost so fucking much that only a few can be bought whereas in the old days thousands would be built.
Think about the F-22, just 200 airframes were built. That would barely cover the cost of tooling up for the damn things. So there won't be much money in producing the things.
No, the real money is now in development.
![[Image: mybannerglitter06eee094.gif]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=i118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo112%2Fpussinboots_photos%2FBikes%2Fmybannerglitter06eee094.gif)
If you're not supposed to ride faster than your guardian angel can fly then mine had better get a bloody SR-71.
