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Well Rickster25, every weapon(system) has physical parameters like: lenght, height, span / widt, weight, speed, range etc.. Sometimes, it happens that you have a good weapon with the right physical parameters. But it does not fit right in the agenda('s) of Interest Merchants a.k.a. politicians. Because of the Vietnam war, some warriors decided they needed light, simple, reliable, cheap and agile fighters instead of heavy, complex, expensive and unreliable ones.
Sounds logical! Not in the minds of Interest Merchants in the White House, Capitol, Pentagon and weaponmaker offices: light, simple, reliable & cheap, means less business in R&D, production, maintenance & repair etc.. So the Light Weight Fighter had to do some 'dogfights' before first take-off.

Some weaponry prices see: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopic-t-1434.html 'Weapon Prices - Cost per unit'

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Beyond the aircraft itself and the weapons to be loaded, there's still a logistical tail to be considered like spare parts, mil standard liquids and others. So when somebody sells a new F-16C (say Block 25) cost at least 15 million, would be safe to add another $5 million for the logistical tail, crew training and weapons loads? Smile

Speaking of politicians, a friend of mine likes expensive military equipment for the AFP despite lack of funds. It's all because of the kickbacks and the mark-ups. In just four-years, he managed to buy a beautiful resort in our province just because of that practice. It's rampant practice to our politicians. That is why when Pratt and Whitney offered some Vipers for a counter-trade, those politicians weren't interested. Bang Head

Speaking of Vipers in COIN Ops, Iraq and Afghanistan are already what we're talking about. Beer

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Vipers in COIN Opns