Posted on 04/06/2009 10:52:31 AM PDT by jazusamo
In a blow to Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon has decided to purchase to end funding of the F-22 fighter jet.
The decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates will rouse widespread opposition in Congress and is likely to bog down the 2010 budget approval process, with F-22 supporters maneuvering to secure more money.
The Pentagon will fund four of the radar-evading stealth fighters in the upcoming 2009 emergency war-spending request, but those additional aircraft will do little to keep the production line in Marietta, Ga., open beyond 2011. Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for the F-22, each of which costs about $140 million.
Gates announced the decision at a press conference on the Defense budget on Monday afternoon.
No money will be requested in the fiscal 2010 budget, congressional and industry sources familiar with the budget briefings told The Hill. Gates has been making calls to the chairmen of the congressional defense committees.
The final F-22 of the 183 currently on order will be delivered at the end of 2011. Building another four would keep the line open for only a few months beyond that end date.
Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors, including Boeing, in recent weeks have stepped up their campaign to keep the production line open. They argue that 25,000 people work directly for the 1,000 suppliers of the F-22 in 44 states, and another 70,000 indirectly owe their jobs to this program.
There is an esay way to continue production. Israel has been blocked from purchasing the F-22’s. Congress should authorize Israel to buy them.
Thanks for linking that, ed, it’s very impressive.
“The F-22 just wasn’t the plane it was cracked up to be.”
Leonide - do you have any idea of what you’re saying?
Here let me answer that: No, you do not. Its capabilities have NOTHING to do with a fool wanting to cancel the F-22 program. There is a bit of a difference between the two statements.
The fool does not CARE how capable the fighter jet is. His plan to completely unravel what ever is left of this country is his plan. The F-22 is just one more piece of technology that is in the way of his plan while at the same time - undermining a continually weakening military.
You’re a professor?! Must be teaching the poor kids the way of the big O.........
So they can be deployed against Obama's relatives? Never in a million years would the messiah allow that.
We have allies that want them now but so far we’re not going to supply them the last I read.
Wonder who China paid off to vote no...
The F-22 is a boondogle.
Besides, you can’t fight terrorists with the F-22 - It was designed to shoot down the best and brightest Soviet fighters around. Well, they ain’t around and soon neither will be the F-22.
Maybe the Air Force should be next on the chopping block. It would be poetic justice.
The cost per unit includes all development costs divided by the number of aircraft produced. Each incremental aircraft reduces the cost per unit.
Imagine how much a car would cost if an entirely new system was developed for 183 units.
You’re embarrassing yourself with your ignorance.
An excellent question.
ping
Wow, you sure aren’t making many friends today.
“Maybe the Air Force should be next on the chopping block. It would be poetic justice.”
Oh dear god
Agreed...Japan has also requested them I believe.
Plenty
Over at Sikorsky, the union is 110% behind Hussein, and you do know what union that is, right?
The International brotherhood of Teamsters
And the decisions are made from the International HQ. Not America.
No, I just want what little funds the DOD will be getting to go to programs that show results. I know the AF loves it’s toys and thinks nothing of belitting her sister services - if you are AF you know what I’m talking about.
The F-22 is great, but it’s not worth the sticker price and it won’t help us in the War on Terror.
Aren’t we being shortsighted?? We must adapt for all possibilities..
Good....screw those damn dirty union apes, they make too much money, their quality sucks, foriegn equipment is far superiour at lower labor costs, who needs these parasite jobs anyways...
Oh wait...wrong thread...I thought this was about union made cars...not airplanes...
HOW DARE THEY!!!!
DONT THEY UNDERSTND HOW IMPORTANT THESE JOBS ARE TO THE ECONONY????
THE SAFETY OF OUR FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN DEPEND ON THE HIGH QUALITY CONTROL OF UNION MADE PRODUCTS!!!!
OUR SOLDIERS DESERVE THE VERY BEST!!!!!
NO ONE ON EARTH PRODUCES FIGHTER JETS SUPERIOUR TO THE F-22!!!!!!!
WHO CARES HOW MUCH THEY COST...WE NEED THE BEST!
Shew...glad I caught myself...
Now where’s that Auto union bashing thread...
The War on what? Are you speaking of overseas contingency operations? ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.