Tim,

I don't think any of us are looking to convert F18 sailors. That was not what my post was about.

It was about analysing the cost side of buying an F16 compared to its alternatives. Afterall, any potential buyer looks at a set of factors before deciding to buy. Buying costs is a separate factor as indeed operation costs, suitability of the design and available classes are.

In my opinion it is wise to not overprice the F16 in relation to the competition in order to provide an attractive total package to a potential new class member. Maybe F18's can ask more because they have big fleets as a class. If so then I want less expensive F16's in order to balance the comparison.

The analysis provided in the earlier posting confirms that buying cost is rather a pro then a cons for the F16's; despite some rumours and claims.

The analysis also puts any claims about the costs associated with the use of carbon in perspective or the costs associated with a mild development class. F16 does both and is still in the bottom half of the market cost wise.

That was all.

Wouter