Similarly, although the F-35 has been criticized for delays and cost overruns, the fact that international partners will buy about 30 percent of the scheduled production has helped stabilize the program and keep unit costs below the level of a U.S.-only program.
Emphasis mine.
1 comment:
Unfortunately, it probably won't be until around Feb, 2013 - or revised by mid-year - as part of FY14 estimates, that the still advertised mass production expected in FY16 and beyond will be finally brought down to Earth.
I admit, I thought the accepted perspective by FY12 would have begun to see more reality in future schedule restructuring, but I can't see it going beyond FY14.
The theory could be that with so many careers invested (or at risk) in JSF staying the course, that anyone prematurely rocking the boat within the Defense establishment would rather wish he/she had been sitting even keel in the boat.
Likely, the call will be made when an easy out can be used, such as the obvious global financial and debt crisis. That will be a likely scapegoat for deciders as a CYA way to abruptly flip the policy and simply shrug shoulders saying, 'sorry, none of us could see this coming'.
Just look at Italy for example; they're going to have IMF 'supervise' National budgets every Quarter now. Excuse me, Italy... um please clarify this budget line right here... trying to read it, oh yeah, says STOVL stealth jump jet, @ $220m unit?? What is this?
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