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Trump attacks F-35 maker for 'out of control' costs
Here we go again. Donald Trump has tweeted another critique about a major defense company -- and the stock immediately fell. Trump tweeted Monday morning that "the F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th." Shares of Lockheed Martin (LMT), which makes the F-35 fighting jets, plunged 4% following Trump's tweet. (money.cnn.com) Mais...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Wondering how many of you have worked as DoD contractors? LMT doesn't make up the requirements, the customer does. DoD projects are legendary for audit heavy micromanagement. And honestly, taking something this complicated to production is a huge undertaking. The airplane is only the most visible component. Trump is welcome to his opinion, but he doesn't understand the complete exercise. Not making excuses for the F35 as an airplane (which of course, I have zero experience), but I do have extensive first hand experience w/making products for DoD and they are a difficult customer.
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These competitions happen, but there are limits. The result is rarely a flyable aircraft (or other demonstration hardware). Frequently these awards are based on a response which outlines what would be purchased and how it might be built and managed. For systems w/long service lives, the support contracts come up for rebid at regular intervals, so winning the initial award not always a lifetime ride. The CPFF (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) model seems like a comfortable ride, but those projects come w/a huge administrative overhead that (IMO) eat up any savings that might have been realized. I manage my time in 15 minute increments (by project) and chargeback test equipment usage (also on 15 minute increments). At small companies, we literally hold our breath until the milestones are met and the check arrives. Since the profit is "fixed" there is never an opportunity to amass enough capital to expand, everything is on credit and payday to payday. OTOH, we knew the game before we started. HTH.
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Wilbur Sanch-esq,
When every single comment you make gets downvoted, you think you'd take a hint.
When every single comment you make gets downvoted, you think you'd take a hint.
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I think you know very well what "hint" you should take. You asking me that is a perfect demonstration of how you enjoy sparking arguments and seek attention with every post you make. I wish flightaware would hurry up and ban you, as your posts are of absolutely no value to this site.
As someone below mentioned, don't feed the trolls people.
As someone below mentioned, don't feed the trolls people.
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Wilbur...perhaps you should heed your own words then and you may see the down votes you get, dwindle..here is a classic example of a question you posted and I quote "Someone help me out with accurate info. Did I read correctly - is it possible that a previous generation interceptor (the F-16) bear in mind there are several generations and levels of sophistication of that weapons platform) out-fought the F-35 ? "
As Joel pointed out, use Google, or whatever other search engine you use..you will see that the post that mentioned it, wasn't lying to you...and another quote " If that is true..sounds to me like some purchasing officers should be in jail !"...might want to use said search engine and find out who actually is responsible for procurement before adding those kind of remarks.
Not being mean here, just trying to shine a flashlight.
As Joel pointed out, use Google, or whatever other search engine you use..you will see that the post that mentioned it, wasn't lying to you...and another quote " If that is true..sounds to me like some purchasing officers should be in jail !"...might want to use said search engine and find out who actually is responsible for procurement before adding those kind of remarks.
Not being mean here, just trying to shine a flashlight.
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re:
"Those who are unaware of what ISP protocols provide for those who use the Internet to act out their personal problems, engage in name-calling, bullying, revealing other's names without their permission,
etc... are about to find out. "
Unless you refer to the ISP with which you connect to the Internet, FA's terms and conditions are what governs your 'prediction'.
"Those who are unaware of what ISP protocols provide for those who use the Internet to act out their personal problems, engage in name-calling, bullying, revealing other's names without their permission,
etc... are about to find out. "
Unless you refer to the ISP with which you connect to the Internet, FA's terms and conditions are what governs your 'prediction'.
"2. FlightAware may choose to refuse service, account privileges, or access to any individual at any time without explanation or justification."
Perhaps he is making reference to this, he might be familiar with it.
Perhaps he is making reference to this, he might be familiar with it.