A big issue in the news right now (or least a couple month's ago), was the Conservative parties decision to purchase a brand-spanking new fleet of fighter jets. Canada is currently using the
CF-18, but their life span will run out in the next 10 years. So... Canada bought 65 new
F-35's, which are expected to start rolling out by 2016. What's the controversy: Their selection of plane was not open to bids. Usually, in order to get the best price, several aircraft companies will pitch their planes and costs to the government. There are a couple other companies making planes comparable to the F-35, such as Boeing's
Super-Hornet or Eurofighter's
Typhoon. The Conservative party states the F-35 "Joint Strike Fighter", is the only plane capable of fulfilling Canada's fighter plane needs.
Here's my concern: The current fighter plane Canada is using to patrol the north, is the twin-engine CF-18. Now, I'm no pilot, but the purpose of two engines is: that if one conks out, the other one can still take you home. The F-35's only have one engine, which would totally suck if it failed over the barren Arctic tundra. Defence Minister
Peter McKay has assured the public the engine will not fail. But he is not a a pilot either.
*I just found out a benefit of only one engine: Cheaper maintenance costs. Half of a fighter jet's maintenance supposedly come from engines
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