

Current Russian UAVs were designed during the Soviet era







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By inperfectdarkness on 3/24/2009 7:28:44 PM , Rating: 2
don't get me started on the f-117 shootdown. we basically HELPED them blow us out of the sky.

regardless, the f117 was a necessary 1st step in stealth technology. considering they were only RECENTLY retired--they served admirably from 1981 for over 25 years; a lifetime compared to our korea/vietnam era planes.

the stealth technology on the f22 is obscenely more advanced than the f117, and even shames the technology on the b2. additionally...we didn't have to compromise f22 design to maximize its radar-dodging abilities--something that was an intrinsic part of f117 design.

you make a horrid assumption that price/performance in weapons systems is a LINEAR relationship. nothing could be further from the truth. the modern ideal behind our military is to "build it significantly better than anything else in existence". we do this because we anticipate (correctly) that we'll be forced to keep these systems in service for a considerable duration. we end up paying MORE...NOW...because we're looking to have these platforms still be relevant & competent 30 years from now.

if the f22 could carry more missiles'd probably be 15 times better than anything else.


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