As a former zoomie, I follow all things related to AF. I'm fine with not having a 2nd engine for the F-35. I'd rather have the money spent on unmanned fighters and bombers.
I will check out alleys before I pass them, in case the fighter mafia wants to do me in for that heresy, but I've studied air power HARD since 1980. We need to move forward to Gen 6 (unmanned) and leave gen 5 like we did the B-57 Hustler. Great plane. Wrong plane.
/johnny
Okay, understood. But, the small amount that you might save today would add up to a projected $20B long term savings per the GAO’s estimates. So, spend a much much smaller amount today and preserve your future savings, or go after a short term drop in the bucket compared to whatever else they are spending these days to say you were ‘fiscally responsible’. Story doesn’t sell economically.
And on top of all that, it didn't even exist.
No wonder they canceled it.
Think of the cost savings just for leather flight jackets. ;)