F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

F-35: The Joint Strike Fighter of the Future Since the beginning of World War I, key military analysts have begun to realize the importance of airpower over the battlefield. It has been said throughout the years that “he who controls the air, also controls the battlefield”. Though some have disputed this statement, the truth has always been proven to analysts after the war when evaluations can be made. The three branches of military that currently use fighter/bomber aircraft are the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. During the military’s vast aviation history, all three branches of service have used separate aircraft. In his book “Ultimate Fighter”, Bill Sweetman, an experienced aviation journalist, states that “if there was one element of Joint Advanced Strike Technology that aroused skepticism, it was the idea that one aircraft could work for every service” (42). That is exactly what the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program hopes to accomplish, but can it? The F-35 is attempting to do what many have failed at previously: meet the specific needs and requirements of all three service branches, incorporate years of compiled information into state-of-the-art equipment, and accomplish all this at a very competitive price. A good analogy of the relationship between the military and the government concerning finances is similar to siblings fighting for money from their parents. One sibling may want an action figure, while the other desires a video game. The parent is then left trying to decide which child will get their way. For years, the government has basically let each branch get their way, at least where aircraft are concerned. With defense budget cutbacks on the increase, ideas have started to arise regarding the development of one aircraft for all to share. The problem concerning the individual development of an aircraft for each branch is the huge costs associated with it. The Marines could require more than 350 new aircraft to replace its current

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