Author: DCDC Date: Feb 27, 2008 03:45
rb said the following on 27/02/2008 4:20 PM:
> I'm not sure it's that simple.
> With regards to the JSF, the yanks will be keeping the most capable
> version. Partner nations like Australia get a lesser capable version.
> Same case would apply to any Raptor exports - and there isn't any lesser
> Raptor version ATM. It's been postulated that it'd cost about $1 billion
> to develop such.
Actually, if I was the British I'd be really pissed off about the F-35.
As far as I know the US had full access to all the technology in the
Harrier when they started using.
Yet the UK had a lot of trouble getting full technology access to its
replacement, the F-35, even though they helped develop it. They also
contributed $2.5US to the development cost.
> Guess who'd have to pay that billion 'development' cost?
> Regards lowering the cost of Raptors for the US. Currently only 183 or
> so are funded. The cost of those on a per unit basis are already done
> and dusted. Export orders will not affect those prices. That the USAF
> would want more is not in doubt. What is in doubt is whether they will
> get any more.
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