Since
Bruce Mcquain was kind enough to send me the F-35 talking points
(be advised, you're my hero for that!)...I've been thinking that a list of "anti" F-35 talking points should be examined....
Talking Point 1.
The F-35 is too expensive. A total misnomer. The F-35 is on a cost curve that will have it being a very cost effective and affordable fighter. The critics are using historical data but fail to take into account the scale of the buy. Just the US Navy/Marine Corps buy will be bigger than the Typhoon program.
Talking Point 2.
The F-35 isn't a real stealth fighter. This one annoys me to no end. What are the critics basing this on? Unless they have the airplane and access to a radar range then they're spitting in the wind. To compare the F-35 to foreign stealth fighters is equally silly. Somehow they continue to do so and get away with it.
Talking Point 3.
The F-35 is short ranged. This one in particular irks me. The F-35 has a range greater than the legacy Hornet...greater than the Harrier...and all this on internal fuel. To add insult to injury, these same people tout the F-22 as the solution to future conflicts in the Pacific but fail to acknowledge that the F-35 is longer ranged than the Raptor.
Talking Point 4.
The F-35 is poorly managed. It has had its difficulties. But to lambast an airplanes capabilities based on program management is silly. And to be honest, name one major program that hasn't its issues.
And there are many more I'm sure. Suffice it to say that the critics of this program are emotional, have ulterior motives/agendas and are not being honest.