Credible Evidence U.S. Air Force Knew About Raptor Problems

There are few things cooler than a fighter jet. Growing up, I was fascinated by, and proud of, all sorts of things about the US Military but, being a kid, few things drew my attention as did it's fighter jets. And for good reason. Be it the F-14, F-15, or F-16 each were world class and top of the line aircraft (and even today the A-10 is the best of its kind). Sure each had its teething problems, but these were resolved; and to this day the latter two are still ranked amongst the world's best and most popular aircraft.

Long time readers of this website will know that I have had, and continue to have, countless issues with the current generation of U.S. fighter aircraft being procured (minus the Growler version of the F-18). The JSF, or F-35, is particularly troubling. Given what is available in the public domain there is almost nothing, short of showing me classified documents proving that it actually does what it is claimed it can do, that will change my opinion that the JSF is on the verge of going down as the biggest boondoogle in weapons acquisition history - and that is saying quite a bit.

On the other hand, I have long been enamored with the F-22 Raptor. What's more this is in spite of its exorbitant cost. As such, I have mostly given the Air Force, and Lockheed Martin, a free pass and the benefit of the doubt in regards to the long-standing oxygen systems crisis that has largely turned it into the world's most expensive hangar queen. I am truly sad to say that is no longer the case.

Today both the Associated Press and Spencer Ackerman are reporting that the Air Force has long since known about the oxygen problems that have repeatedly grounded the Raptor fleet; and most likely took the life of a pilot. Regrettably, I am not surprised by this as the level of greed and corruption pervading our society - even at the expense of human life - continues at a breathtaking pace. Nonetheless, it still bites to read the truth of the matter as laid out in particular by the detailed Associated Press reporting.

Perhaps the worst thing you will discover is that the Air Force determined it couldn't afford a $100,000 per plane fix for the overbudget Raptor that may have made it safe for its pilots. Really? What's an extra $100,000 for an aircraft that already costs $190 million, or well over $300 million per plane if you include development costs. This incomprehensible decision is akin to you not spending $50 to fix a seatbelt in your $30,000 car because you already paid more than you wanted to for the sun roof. Actually, it's probably far worse than that (as I am no math whiz) so just for fun feel free to create your own craven comparison's! Bottom line is I would assume you value your family members more than that but I guess I am giving the Air Force too much credit in valuing the lives of its own highly trained, brave, and valuable pilots who continue to fly these aircraft at great risk to themselves. With decisions such as this I am actually starting to believe the US Air Force's latest marketing campaign as they really "do the impossible every day." I highly encourage you to read the sordid details of this mess for yourself.