Aussie JSF's To Cost More Than F-22's?

[Sylvester]

In regards to AU JSF procurement

In the time frame of interest for Australia to buy (2012), the JSF will cost more than the Raptor, on a unit procurement cost basis. It has done a reversal. Just ask Adm Steve Enewold and take a look at the SARs.

The last four F-22s in the current production of 184 will cost the USAF (all up - unit procurement cost) around US$126 million per.

When USAF get the approval to go to 260 units, the 260th's UFC will be somewhat less than US$100 million per, based upon the costing model when the buy was 277 back in 2003.

In 2012, the JSF is slated to cost around US$136 million per unit (Unit Procurement Cost).

Is this true? When Aussie JSFs come into production after 700-900 builds will their JSFs cost more than a final build F-22.

Why would US DoD continue the program if this were true? Are these numbers skewed to compare the most expensive JSF build to the cheapest F-22? I can't believe this at this point.

Someone shed some light. Thanks!

[the gunny]

well, I can see where you might get concerned on the face of all this. I would point out that the F-22 while considered a new state of the art aircraft,  and I wouldn't exactly go as far as saying it will be obsolete upon roll out of the F-35, but   the F-35 is by design a far more versatile aircraft than the F-22.

The cost of aircraft is all based on the number of aircraft ordered at any one time. Just because someone orders 100 of whatever doesn't mean that is the price forever. The companies will also negotiate a lower cost of those rolling off the line towards the end of the production run.

[Chris]

But wasnt the whole point of the F-35 tobe a cheaper version of the f-22?

I dont think thats true i think the F-35 will be cheaper.

[the gunny]

No the F-35 is a completely different aircraft by design. They designed it to be available in 3 varients, one for Air Force and normal take off and landing to allow for increase bomb loads, one for NAVY to use from Aircraft carriers, and one for USMC to allow for expeditionary airfield use STOL and vertical landing.

The F-22 is a pure interceptor.

[Chris]

Well if the Labor Party get voted in we will try and get the raptor.

[Collo]

Somehow I don't think so. The smurf and co, all they want to is win the election, the couldn't give a s#@t about the ADF. As far as Gillard is concerned it is waste of money that could be used else where.