| cwlinsj | 14 Mar 2016 10:40 a.m. PST |
Lot's of discussion about modern aircraft and their procurement costs, but I have not seen discussion about what it costs to actually operate them. This can be a whole additional bundle of loot, not including additional costs of refueling tankers and other mission support. In comparison, it only costs the Bronco OV-10 about $5,000 USD per mission! Personally, I think this is just wasteful use of tax dollars by military brass who like their toys. While we need stealthy airplanes, we don't need them to bomb pickup trucks.
link This link shows non-stealthy like F-16, F-15, B-52, Spooky, etc.
link |
| 15mm and 28mm Fanatik | 14 Mar 2016 11:09 a.m. PST |
Interesting. I hope the cost per hour of the B-2 isn't a precursor to what the LRSB will cost to fly. Then again, they're strategic assets so most of the training can be done in simulators. It's also interesting that the B-52 has a higher operating cost than the B-1. |
| cwlinsj | 14 Mar 2016 11:18 a.m. PST |
Hmmm. Maybe because of 8 engines vs 4? That's a lot of jet fuel. Probably also more because of advanced-age parts replacement on B-52. |
| Lion in the Stars | 14 Mar 2016 11:46 a.m. PST |
Not so much fuel consumption as maintaining all 8 engines takes twice as many man-hours, or more. |
| Mako11 | 14 Mar 2016 11:54 a.m. PST |
Yea, the B-52 is almost 70 years old, so….. |
Sundance  | 14 Mar 2016 12:27 p.m. PST |
Older engines are also generally less efficient. |
| Noble713 | 14 Mar 2016 1:27 p.m. PST |
I really wish we could see the operating costs for the Russians and Chinese for comparison. We already know the RuAF has been maintaining a surprisingly-high sortie rate in their Syrian operations. What does a Su-24 dropping dumb bombs cost per hour? Here's some additional data from another forum: ( link ) A Strike Eagle comes in at $28 USDk/hr. I keep thinking F-22's clearing the skies for Strike Eagles would be an easier, cheaper, and more effective high/low aircraft mix than what we are getting with the F-35 filling the "low" role. |
| pzivh43 | 14 Mar 2016 4:15 p.m. PST |
Not sure comparison entirely fair: "comparison of the acquisition and operation costs". That acquisition cost mention can skew things. Especially if the military was requesting a certain number of aircraft, but Congress reduced the number authorized. Has a lot to do with per unit cost. |
| Visceral Impact Studios | 14 Mar 2016 8:19 p.m. PST |
I would just like to note that I worked on the Predator program. My fellow American taxpayers, you are welcome. :-) |
| GarrisonMiniatures | 15 Mar 2016 2:11 a.m. PST |
'the F-35 embodies the military's drive towards having a single aircraft that can complete the full variety of possible missions.' Love to see it replace these… link |
shows off M-113s painted by 
