dreaming or reality, page-21

Surfieguy1 - I acknowledge your points, however wish you to visit wikipedia and the F-22 search there. If you read through it - there is a reason that the american's are only producing a limited amount of them (aside from the expense). That is because their primary purpose is air superiority, with ground attack a very far second (does have capability, but not as much as an F-35).

Also the USAF hasn't been able to validate reasoning for increasing the amount of aircraft eitehr. Wiki mentions that in a conflict with China over Taiwan, the F-22's while able to get air superiority over other forces, will very quickly lose their operability with the forward air bases being taken out.

F-35 probably not much better in that way, but at least has the capability.

Regarding the contracts, and you mentioning more countries pulling out I agree with you. However for most countries - there is no viable alternative that exists currently, unless you buy undeveloped russian technology. The American's are the main game players. So in that I think the QHL are in a great position, and I think with their technology and improved carbon hardness, and costing less than other manufacturers, I think they will pick up alot more F-35 work, as well as other work.