As I understand the hierarchy of multiple-function aircraft superiority, the myriad versions of the F-15 are superior to F-18 iterations except for usability from aircraft carriers - despite its basis platform being decades older. Were the Department of Defense to purchase non-stealthy aircraft as stopgap, why not upgrade the aircraft that is more maneuverable, faster, able carry larger payload of weaponry, with much longer operating radius, et al.? I also understand that design work has already occurred on a substantial upgrade for the F-15 platform. Anticipating Mr. Trump's "pressure" is legitimate to the extent of creating or buying a viable stopgap aircraft, what am I missing here? Substantial percentage of the F-15 totality remains in production.

So what am I missing?

The F-15 Silent Eagle would be the way to go along with stealthy upgrades to the FA-18. All the gee whiz avionics and communications voodoo for the F-35 could be adopted to current airframes. Sure would make a lot more sense to work with existing "proven" airframes than spend another trillion and 8 years trying to make the F-35 a capable aircraft.

We basically need another 8 - 10 years before we move to a fully integrated UCAV capability.

Let's hope Trump and Team can sort out all this mess like he did sorting out the billions being wasted on AF-1. http://www.reuters.com/article...efense-idUSKBN14A271