As it stands, the official estimate for a fleet of 65 F-35s is that they will cost $9 billion to buy and almost $37 billion to operate over the next 42 years. So, a total of just under $46 billion. If Boeing’s figures hold up, the Super Hornets would cost about half that.
***F-35s are designed to shoot down 10 planes for every one lost. That means that it would cost 5X times as much to use Boeing compared to the F-35 to achieve the same kill ratio.
We will have full blown 'battle bots' operating long before then, and without the equipment on board for human environmental needs they should be even cheaper.
***F-35s are designed to shoot down 10 planes for every one lost. That means that it would cost 5X times as much to use Boeing compared to the F-35 to achieve the same kill ratio.
I’d find this hard to believe and in reality if this was true then you’d have to look at a war where we’re shooting down hundreds of enemy aircraft which hasn’t even come close since Vietnam so the cost factor per aircraft and maintenance cost to make up for numerous years you’re not involved in a massive war would be far greater.
An aircraft is an asset with losses expected in war. Quantity of a proven asset at a cheaper cost is better and the $110m listed for the F-35 will grow significantly and it’s currently close to three times that if you include test.
Hard to shoot a plane down when you’re grounded.