U.S. compares F-22A and Legacy Fighter Modernization Progams
Monday April 30th 2012 - U.S. GAO
It seems Canada isn't the only country debating the escalating cost of a fighter plane. The mounting cost of the U.S. Air Force's F-22A modernization program - now expected to hit $9.7 billion - has brought it under the eye of the U.S. Congress.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office was tasked with preparing a report on the history of the modernization programs of the F-15, F-16, and F/A-18, and comparing those legacy programs with the F-22A modernization program. To create the report, the GAO reviewed official service history documents; analysed program cost, schedule, performance, and quantity data; and spoke with current and former Air Force, Navy, and contractor officials.
They found that while the legacy aircraft were created with the expectation that they would be upgraded over time, the F-22A began as a single-step program - and future modernization wasn't anticipated. They also found that it is costing a premium to retrofit new capabilities onto a stealth aircraft.
To view a copy of the report online, click here.
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Did you know?
There are about 50 aerial crop spraying companies in Saskatchewan, employing 75 pilots and conducting about $35 million in business annually.
Source: Saskatchewan Aviation Council
