In the news, a Senate panel seeks an end to the ban on exporting the F-22 Raptor because of the stealth technology it contained. In the senate, a vote of 30-0 confirmed that Congress wishes to remove the ban and export the raptor to allies such as Austrailia, Japan and Israel- all clients who express interest in the raptor.
Lockheed had no immediate comment, but I am sure engineers will work to either protect programs and tactics, or downgrade the technology (so "our" planes are slightly better). Lockheed makes money, and the F22 program can continue. This will also increase jobs and allow money to be spent in the defense budget, which means more money can be directed elsewhere that would have went to defense.
I agree with removing the export ban. I also congratulate Congress on turning down the second engine proposal for the F35 fighter- they already have a contract, and the engine part is critical to the F35. Changing the engine means more tests to make sure the F35 can take the stress, and older models will have to be retrofitted and reverse engineered (possibly). In short, it is a waste of money to make changes to a product already out.
Good job guys. Not everything you do is perfect, but here and there the US Government does a couple of smart things.
No comments:
Post a Comment