"R. David Steele" wrote in message
...
Should we be thinking of using the FB-22 Raptor as a replacement
for the F/A-18 (and the F-14)? I know that the current F-22 was
not designed to be heavy enough for naval use, but it could be
re-engineered. They are planning to bring the FB-22 (bomber
version that carries 30 2000 lbs bombs) online in the future.
Why not upgrade it then?

There are stresses from carrier ops that just aren't allowed for
in the design of Air Force fighters, mainly having to do with the
landing and arrestment. Unless the plane is designed with these
forces from the start, you basically have to redesign the plane's
frame (which means moving dang near *everything*) to get it
ready.

This way there would be cross over between the FB-22 and the F-35
(engines especially).

Also why not market the C-17 to the air freight community?

The C-17 was marketed to commercial users with the government
offering incentives. The plane has design elements for its
military missions that make it less economical to operate in
the civilian world that civil designs.