Operational Aircraft

The F-22 Rapter program was cut in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget in order to prevent spending 1.75 Billion dollars according to internet sources. The fight continues between those that want to continue producing the advanced F-22 and the those that are in favor producing the new single engine F-35 instead.

The fight isn't just about which aircraft is best suited to be the next fighter for the United States. The fight has deep political roots based on the states in which the fighters are produced.

What do our readers think is more important, military strategy or the impact on the industry from producing the aircraft?

A lot of people buy the Beech King Air because it's a great balance of performance, efficiency and cost. The USAF recently realized that and decided to purchase several to use for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. However, the Air Force's idea of "cheap" may not exactly be like ours. According to the USA Today, it turns out they will be paying $21 million each for most of these aircraft.

The USAF took delivery of the first of its 23 Beechcraft King Air 350ER's last Friday. Dubbed the MC-12W by the Air Force, this delivery took place less than 5 months after the project was announced. If that wasn't quick enough for you, it's also worth noting that all 23 aircraft are expected to be delivered within 3 months and the total price tag will only be $171 Million.

I have become a frequent flyer at Columbus’s local, Thunder in the Valley Air Show. It’s your typical big, little town show with general aviation, war birds, jet cars, and a sprinkling of military aircraft. As always, the air show is, and in my humble opinion will stay, a great way to spend the weekend with friends. I was struck however at the major difference between last year, and this year’s schedule. Last year there were four different high performance aerobatic teams, this year, there was only one. Last year the schedule was packed from roughly 9 am to 6 pm with acts; this year the nimble, remote controlled Extra 200 model was a main attraction. There was a distinct shortage of flying warbirds this year as well.