re: #300 Gus

The Navy wanted Stealth, and that’s what the JSF offered.

The Harrier was also a high-cost to maintain aircraft, and while they managed to get the kinks figured out, it was still due to be retired at some point. The Navy wanted VSTOL capabilities, which is why the Marine Corps was getting a VSTOL version of the JSF.

The whole idea of the JSF was to save money by using common airframes and structures, but like with the original Bradley, everyone wanted to add their own stamp on it - adding capabilities, costs, and turned it into a bloated mess. It may end up being a fine aircraft, but it’s something that doesn’t justify the costs.