blindpilot wrote:mas wrote:The more important question is will there be more F-35s built than F-16s ? Probably, in the end by say 2045-50.
Now that would be one hell of a death spiral!
MHO
BP
....with the "optionally manned" B-21 Raider expected to enter combat service by 2025 and the evolution of electronics/ avionics should allow for the development of new a/c prior to 2035 (15yrs.) and should cap the production of the F-35 for the US and the allies at that time. The production demand should complete the 3,000+ a/c, as was planned from todays 260+. The 180 total production per year may be parceled out to FW and the FACOs in Italy and Japan. The additional purchases by "new" allies should allow for a reduction in the F-35 US replacement program a/c (F-15C?) and identify the need for "new" a/c designs from the matured F-35/ B-21 programs, PCA comes to mind.
... the F-35 may be flying in 2050 but long after (15yrs.) production is completed.
