Last April, we dissected the worlds most advanced fighter jet, the F-35B Lightning II, in the pages of our annual How It Works issue. Now military contractor Lockheed Martin is firing up the jets 40,000-pound-thrust engine (the most powerful ever built for a fighter jet) in preparation for flight tests. The jet can soar at supersonic speeds (1,000 mph) and deflect radar signals, but by the end of the month, pilots are expected to show off its most highly anticipated feature: the ability to stop mid-flight and touch down virtually anywhere.
It's apparent we can't fight any war and pay for it while funding the military budget. We haven't the will nor the desire for a war tax. With the advent of this new fighter that can't be seen until it's too late in dogfighting according to our pilots, we have the opportunity to scrap a lot of old jets and production of them unless they're for other Nations. I think the military industrial complex should produce more productions like the new jet that can replace more than one program. This should be a goal for every future military program. Starting one weapons program that can replace many. I remind researchers the aircraft carrier was one such program that had doubts. After all. We may be fighting alliens in the future. That will be a pricy war. I will conclude here. Jay
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