T-X betting pool

According to multiple online sources, the T-X review is complete, and selection will be made by thur end of the Fiscal Year. That puts it at just under three weeks. Next week is the AFA Conference, where announcements have been made in the past. There's also speculation that it will come on the 24th.

So let's hear who you think will win, and who you want to win, and why.

Think: Boeing
Want: Lockheed

Boeing is probably the best bet, simply because the Pentagon needs to protect their industrial base. Even with the work Boeing has gotten lately, they'll be hard pressed to keep all their workers until the next big competition that could see work in St Lord.

The T-50A is, to put it bluntly, just a damn nice jet all around. But, Lockheed has a lot of work on their plate right now, and the Pentagon isn't exactly thrilled with them lately.

Which one has the best safety record? That is who we should be betting on. Right?

a reply to: Zaphod58

I'm placing on Boeing as well. Industrial base, plus we start pulling the Swedes into our industrial orbit and it is (at least for the moment) a scandal free aircraft.

Lockheed has too much of the USAF contracts as it is.

Both the BS T-X and the LKAI T-X are cool planes, but I think other aspects are more important.

a reply to: chiefsmom

None of them honestly. Two are modifications of existing designs, turning them into new aircraft, and one is brand new and has two built.

a reply to: anzha

I have decided that the Boeing aircraft will henceforth be called the Gripnet.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Not Griplet?

a reply to: anzha

I thought about Hornpen.

Want: Lockheed
Think: Boeing

The T-50 is already flying in 5 countries, risk should be managable, Lockheed should be able not to screw this one up.
I would take the M-346 variant from Leonardo too before i'd pick Boeings unproven concept, but without a US partner they are out anyway.
Boeing gets it to keep them in the fighter building business.

What they should have done is combine it with OA-X, pick Lockheed and call it a day.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Grino.

originally posted by: anzha
a reply to: Zaphod58

Grino.

This one I can already see the unit patch art of a hobo rhino!

This one is a funny one for me I think I’m gonna lean towards pulling for Boeing.

originally posted by: mightmight
Want: Lockheed
Think: Boeing

The T-50 is already flying in 5 countries, risk should be managable, Lockheed should be able not to screw this one up.
I would take the M-346 variant from Leonardo too before i'd pick Boeings unproven concept, but without a US partner they are out anyway.
Boeing gets it to keep them in the fighter building business.

What they should have done is combine it with OA-X, pick Lockheed and call it a day.

Hell will freeze over before we have a glorified YAK as a trainer.....

a reply to: BigDave-AR
but but ... collusion and stuff?!

originally posted by: mightmight
a reply to: BigDave-AR
but but ... collusion and stuff?!

Or not.....

a reply to: BigDave-AR

Then it's a good thing the T-50A isn't a glorified Yak, isn't it.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: BigDave-AR

Then it's a good thing the T-50A isn't a glorified Yak, isn't it.

Let me have my hyperbole!

a reply to: BigDave-AR

Ok. Going with the Boeing Grino. Lockheed's golden beagle doesn't stand a chance. Not against the Grungie Rhino from Seattle and Sweden!

Lol you got it!

Going with Boeing, but mainly because I am biased. My pop was a Mac guy his whole life. I also think that the USAF has a problem with designs not born in the USA - sort of a thing it has seemed. I mean how many un-native designs have made it in the USAF? About 3 if my mind is correct (talking main combat/trainers/bombers and so on - not logistic or observation types).

Is today the day? It seems so.

a reply to: Fools

We'll find out after 1700EDT.