The Netherlands can barely pay to own and operate their F-16s but good news!
Their first F-35 mistake-jet has just rolled out. They own it now. Warts and all.
This aircraft will have numerous faults affecting airframe life, reliability and immature software. It also might not be safe to fly for anyone other than a test pilot accompanied by a chase aircraft. And while the Dutch are struggling to pay for F-16 operations, this F-35 will cost 2-3 times as much in operating cost per flying hour.
It was sold to the gullible in Dutch Defence as a training aircraft.
How much training of new pilots can be done is an issue still in contention in Florida. That effort is years late. They are still trying to work around a process which is safe. No final word on that yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment