this is like comparing 80's music to all the new music. just doesnt sound right. do you honestly think the air force is stupid enough to spend twice as much money to put out a jet that is less then what they have before? 99% of people havnt seen the f22 at its full potential. theres a reason they designed it and put it into production. just like when the put the f14 and f18 into production. and by the way the f18 platform was being developed in the 70's. atleast the concept. the government doesnt spend that much money to just show off. its been proven that the f22 can out preform any other jet to this day. atleast in the areas where it counts. like i said the f14 was a great airframe for its times but compaired to some of the jets other countries have it isnt shit. thats the reason the f18 and the f22 came out everyone who talks shit about the f22 should thing the same way as everyone did when the f18 came out, it was a new concept that worked, same with the f22. its a new concept that works, and works well. i am suprised that they plan on retiring the f117 in 2009 though. i guess it doesnt have enough work to do for what it costs to produce.