Reply #10: I think there are positive aspects to it...

[sirshack]

For one, a lot of the non-stealth F series fighters have been around forever. They'll need to be retired at some point. Part of the appeal of the FA-22 is that it can take the role of an air-to-air and an air-to-ground (this is what's being done with the FA-18 right now....making it a multi-role fighter). I guess part of the idea is is that down the road, we can have one advanced, supercruise capable aircraft instead of dealing with an assortment of F-14s, F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, all their mechanical needs and quirks, etc etc etc. It also integrates a lot of new technology, and I see no reason to quash any of that.