‘Simplicate and Add Lightness!’ — Designing the F-45 Mustang II

I remember when the W-16 was sold under this principle as were the original F-18s, and they proved that by the time you added everything necessary to operate in a modern battlefield they were no longer light not inexpensive. The F-104 was the light low cost alternative to planes like the F-4 and after killing a lot of pilot became obsolete and were retired because there was no room for needed capabilities.

This is just more "fighter-mafia" BS thinking that air to air is somehow the dominate mission, and that dog fighting capabilities are worth giving up mission capability for when the mission in truth, is supporting the folks on the ground who actually decide the conflicts.

I refer back to other post I have made on the F-35 subject. In those post active pilots and generals have spoken highly of the F-35 program, I question this guys validity. Cost will continue to go down as the aircraft proliferates into all of the supporting countries. This F-45 does not exist so why would we want yet another legacy weapons program that are inherently wrought with cost and time overruns. Granted that is the fault of the DoD procurement system that shows no signs of improving. Now I do support alternatives to the F-35 that match the netcentric capabilities in a cheaper but proved platform. Like where the Navy is looking at a new F-18, same bones but a proved platform with F-35 capabilities. Since the F-35C is the one with the most problems the F-18 alternative is a smart choice.

It's okay to fail if you have the guts to admit it and learn from it. I hope that will be the case this time.