More toys on the way!

[unhappycamper]

The F/A-XX Sixth-Generation Strike Fighter is a concept aircraft proposed by Boeing. Both manned and unmanned versions could be available, the company says.


Navy show gives sneak peek at new planes, helos
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 10, 2010 6:59:12 EDT

For today’s pilots and aviation sailors, the future is still pretty far away.

Conceptual drawings of futuristic unmanned fighter jets adorned glossy posters at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition sponsored by the Navy League in early May. And many Navy leaders talk about 2025 or earlier as the target year for those aircraft to join the fleet.

But the Navy is preparing to keep today’s manned aircraft on carrier decks well beyond that timeline.

Plans are underway to extend the lives of today’s F/A-18 Super Hornets by 50 percent — from 6,000 flight hours to 9,000 — said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 program manager at Naval Air Systems Command.

Considering that most Super Hornets fly about 350 hours a year under today’s high operational tempo, the 3,000-hour extension would keep the newest aircraft flying for at least another 25 years.


unhappycamper comment: I'd rather we fix a few local budgets, fully fund teachers, firemen and policemen before buying any of this crap.

[Tejas]

1. wow, cost on the Super Hornets...

Saw it mentioned on the web they cost $8,300 per hour of flight, approx $2.5 million/year. I did not know that, but from what Wiki listed they are one heck of an aircraft.

Also, from this website:
http://www.air-attack.com/page/69/FA-18-Super-Hornet.html

"Super Hornet cost per flight hour is 40% of the F-14 Tomcat and requires 75% less labor hours per flight hour."


Again, one awesome toy.

[unhappycamper]

2. And the best part is that a new F/A-18 costs only $100 million a pop! n/t

[Tejas]

13. Rather buy at the website I linked for only 52 million ;) nt

[SoCalDem]

3. Disgusting..

We are the ONLY ones who seem to still be "needing" these high-tech boondoggle weapons.

I know the building of these things ensure jobs for the military-industrial complex folks, but sheez-louise..don't we have better things to spend our money on?...and couldn't those folks re-train to make other things?

Just imagine most of the military-toy money being spent on;
renewable energy conversion
or on real health care plans for all of us..
or on revamping every US school building
on pay raises for teachers
on a free & decent post-high school education for every young person..

[spanone]

4. why not invest in box cutters?

[NM_hemilover]

8. extra funny with your "PEACE" bird.

[NM_hemilover]

10. I just noticed who that is LOL !

[YOY]

5. How many retired military men are on that boondoggle?

Should be a law against Retired Military having their contacts abused by entering defense contract work.

[Bigmack]

6. Zooooommmm! Wheeeee!. We just loves our toys. nt

[barbtries]

7. gimme another hole in my head

i need it just as much and it'll be a hella lot cheaper

[Arugula Latte]

9. We can't afford healthcare, though. Nope. No sirree Bob. Absolutely not.

[Liberal_in_LA]

11. fancy

[Rex]

12. Why is it we can spend billons on 'defense' of the Meriken citizen

but not give one crap about if they get sick or have an injury at work? America - loves the bomb, hates the sick. We come in peace, shoot to kill!