The Price Per-Hour To Fly The Airborne Nuclear Command Center Is Absolutely Staggering
The U.S. military is the largest and most powerful in the world, but that power doesn’t come without a heavy financial cost. A new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) details how much it costs to fly 47 different types of aircraft flown by the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. In general, the more sophisticated the plane the more expensive it is to fly, with age being another factor.
The GAO, a nonpartisan government agency that provides information to Congress, just published Weapon System Sustainment, a report on U.S. military aircraft operating cost and availability. Operating cost, which the GAO defines as “repair parts, depot and field maintenance, contract services, engineering support, and personnel” plus “other things,” is at times difficult to nail down. Different government agencies, analysts, and defense contractors offer varying figures based on different criteria. The GAO’s numbers use consistent criteria, making them useful for comparing various types of aircraft in service at the same time.
Here’s how much U.S. military aircraft cost to fly, by the hour.
When I read this article, some of the numbers were just mind-blowing. We know that LOTS of the military's aircraft cost a shit ton of money to produce. For instance, an F-22 costs an estimated $120 million to purchase, but it would cost around $334 million if we factor in research and development costs. The first F-35A cost $221 million when it came off the production line in 2007 but that doesnt include research and development. Since 2007, production quantities and experience have increased, helping the price of the incredible stealth-like fighter fall to $79 million even as inflation increased thanks to Sleepy Joe and the rest of the world's economy.
But, much like buying a yacht, the price tag aint the only expenses, bubba. We got them fuckin operating costs to deal with too. When you buy a yacht, from what I hear, you pay like price tag. Lets say it's 5 million dollars. Pricey right? You know you need to pay gas, docking fees, marina fees, and probably a captain. Typically, you're dealing with AT LEAST 300k a year in upkeep and all that aforementioned shit.
The same goes for these jets. Just having them in the sky can be several times the median income per family per year. Every hour. Every damn hour.
The numbers are wild. That segment begins here.
Round 1: A missile exploded in Poland and there was a LITANY of reporters (us included kinda) that said it was Russia but now more facts are out. It might not have been Russia, but still, fuck Russia.
Round 2: Aircraft costs are wild. No chance you can guess how much they cost to fly per hour.
Round 3: Typically, I reserve cold showers for when I’m super horny. Know what I mean? I mean fuckin horny. But, could that cold shower also cure your depression? Maybe.
Round 4: Kate interviews Rebecca Kheel from Military.com about a new report on traumatic Brain Injuries and the effects they have on troop suicides among other issues.