Should we scrap the F35 and build more F22s?

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 08:51:37 -0400

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/everyone-who-wanted-more-f-22s-is-being-proven-right [login to see] ?ref=yfp

Everyone Who Wanted More F-22s Is Being Proven Right

As if they suddenly came to an epiphany, the United States Air Force brass is now admitting what many of us have been screaming about for so long. We didn’t build nearly enough F-22s, and the F-35 cannot simply pick up the slack. So why aren’t those who pushed so hard to cancel the F-22 program held accountable?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 26 at 2015 9:13 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 09:13:18 -0400

Personally I'd prefer to see more F-18s built, but I may be a wee bit prejudiced! :)

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 26 at 2015 11:51 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 11:51:15 -0400

FYI
http://news.usni.org/2014/11/05/u-s-pilots-say-new-chinese-stealth-fighter-become-equal-f-22-f-35

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 12:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:17:27 -0400

Eventually the issues with the F-35 will be remedied, but it will still be under-powered for direct air-to-air with frontline generation 5 aircraft, not quite maneuverable enough, and will have to rely on superior training, tactics, and support - which we still have in spades.
The F-22 is a superior air-to air platform that could probably be adapted to air-to-ground at least adequately.
I don't know how doable it is, but restarting the F-22 line makes an awful lot of sense, especially as F-16s and F-15s retire from service.