Would Increase USAF Fleet To 203 F-22s

Aero-News reported Tuesday about the problems facing the military's newest fighter jet, the upcoming F-35 Lightning II. Analysts report the same declining order numbers and rising prices that have caused trouble for the recent F-22 Raptor fighter, could spell disaster for the Lightning.

Well, perhaps that picture isn't so bleak after all... as the Air Force is pushing to order 20 more F-22 Raptors, extending production for at least one year beyond the planned termination date in 2011.

Ken Miller, special assistant to Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the Air Force plans to request additional fighters in the 2008 defense budget, which goes to lawmakers in early February. The plan would have to pass congressional muster, and get approval from senior Pentagon officials.

In other words... the deal isn't done yet. "We've got a long way to go," Miller said. "So that's our plan and we're going to press forward."

If approved, the plan would boost the USAF's total purchase to 203 Raptors. That's still a far cry from the more than 700 planes that Air Force officials originally wanted, but even a little more is better than none at all.

"All of the Air Force studies point to the conclusion that the planned number of 183 planes is not enough," said analyst Loren Thompson. "So the service has begun to build a case for buying more."

If lawmakers show a willingness to spend money on planes the Air Force says it needs, that may also spell somewhat better fortunes for the Lightning II. Unless, that is, the Air Force spends all its money on Raptors.

Time will tell.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com, www.af.mil