
Corsair1963 wrote:I don't see the NGF arriving before 2040.
Ditto and fully agree!
I also don't think that the NGF (or whatever it is called) will arrive before 2040 and I would place a serious bet that it will arrive well after that (2040).
Looking at other (similar) projects, I would say that the only chance for the NGF to arrive circa 2040 would be if the contract for the prototype would be awarded today and right away!
Again when looking at other modern/advanced fighter projects it seems that they take roughly 20 years (if not more) since awarding the prototype contract until the aircraft's production version first flight. And note that those 20 years don't count IOC (initial "introduction into service") and it counts only from the prototype contract award until the very first flight of the production variant/model.
Corsair1963 wrote:So, odds favor the USN just continuing to buy F-35C's post 2030. Yet, shouldn't surprise anyone as it happens all the time. Case in point the current F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
Also agree with you. I believe that the US Navy will eventually come along with the F-35C by ordering more units (than currently planned).
A mix of the US Navy 'tradicional' (I would say 'backwards') mentality when it comes to Stealth aircraft together with industrial and economical interests in keeping the Boeing fighter line open seem IMO to be the sole reasons why the US Navy isn't still looking for more F-35Cs and is still looking at the Super Hornet (namely Block III).