Sun, Oct 15, 2006
Multiple-Year Contract Puts Program On Autopilot
Congressional approval
of a multi-year contract with Lockheed to purchase F-22 Raptor
fighters means the Air Force can now look to other priorities.
Lockheed spokesman Tom Jurkowsky told the Dallas Morning News,
"That's not really surprising to us. With the multi-year funding
that's been approved, we feel the program has achieved
stability."
Analysts say the Air Force believes approval of this contract
will end the annual congressional budget battles over the
controversial Raptor, the most expensive fighter in history.
The Raptor, at more that $130 million a copy, employs a number
of new technologies including stealth, supercruise and a number of
new electronic systems.
The AF plans to negotiate a deal to purchase 20 Raptors a year
starting in 2007 -- a move which could save nearly a quarter
billion dollars. Congress approved the purchase of only 183 total
aircraft, and the AF hopes it can up that number closer to its
requested 381.
That number would allow for 24 combat-ready jets in each of 10
squadrons. The excess accounts for aircraft undergoing
maintenance.
AF Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley's and Secretary of
the Air Force Michael Wynne's new priority list includes:
- Replacing the service's fleet of aerial refueling tankers
- Developing and acquiring new helicopters for combat
search-and-rescue operations
- Acquiring new early warning and communications satellites
- Getting the F-35 Lightning II into production
- Developing a new long-range bomber
As ANN reported, the AF hopes
to begin replacing the tanker fleet immediately.
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