Last F-22 off the assembly line..via Lockheed Martin |
But to those that do think that its worthwhile, I have a two birds with one stone solution...a solution that surprises because no one has mentioned it in a long time.
Why not build the FB-22 for the next gen bomber? That would get the airplane into USAF service rather quickly...would maintain aspects of F-22 production and with the distances involved in the Pacific could easily form the basis for the next generation fighter.
Boeing would howl but hey...who cares?
UPDATE:
This is the Wikipedia entry on the FB-22...
In 2002, Lockheed Martin began studying a modified bomber version of the F-22 Raptor fighter, featuring a delta wing, longer body and greater range and payload.[1] The FB-22 medium bomber is based on existing and planned capabilities of the F-22 fighter, a heritage that would limit development costs and risks should the idea go into production. The FB-22 was planned to serve as a regional bomber, a role previously covered by the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.[2]I can tell you one thing. Extended development times is the killing our military.
The FB-22 differs from the original F-22 design significantly. A lengthened fuselage and larger delta wing provide greater fuel capacity for greater range of some 1,600 miles (2,600 km).[2] This also allows room for a larger internal weapons bay, better suiting long range attack missions and improved stealth.[3] Changing to an improved engine such as the F-35 Lightning II's Pratt & Whitney F135, or the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 is possible.[4] The FB-22 would have a maximum speed of Mach 1.92.[5]
One early FB-22 concept featured no tailplanes.[5] The FB-22 design incorporated twin tailplanes and likely would have fixed engine nozzles as opposed to the thrust vectoring nozzles on the F-22.[5] The FB-22 design could carry 30 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), which weigh just 250 pounds (110 kg), compared with the F-22's payload of eight.[1]
10 years and we have an aborted EFV? FCS was in development for a similar amount of time before it was taken down to the river and drowned. Same with Crusader...same with F-22...F-35...you get the point.
The only programs that are getting it done and out the door is the much maligned LCS, AH-1Z/UH-1Y (and the original design proposal for the AH-1Z first appeared in the 90's in the form of the Super Viper) and even the promising and much needed CH-53K is being delayed--even though they're ready to start churning them out....
To start from scratch for a next gen bomber when the proposed FB-22 fills the bill is beyond stupid. Setup the specs, get it done and get it into squadron service. That is if we really need it. And listening to all the airpower guys we really do.
UPDATE 1:
Paulicus found this study on the FB-22. Seems that at one time the USAF was beyond gung-ho about the idea. A light quick read so enjoy.
RS21848