Does the USAF make more than one experimental plane at a time?

Question

For example, if they are building an experimental plane, would they build more than one so that several pilots can test them out? Or would they only build one first to see how it does then build more if it seems to work out with one test pilot?

Answer 1

The USAF does not actually build them. They look at the proposed designs from the major aircraft designers (such as Lockheed Martin) then they just pick the one that best suits the purposes of the Air Force. There are several designs that are presented when the USAF goes looking for a new aircraft. Only after they see the capabilities will the Air Force make their choice. They have a very rigorous test that they put the potential aircraft through and only those that pass with the highest marks will be accepted. This test will generally narrow the selection down to one or two planes.

Answer 2

spag is correct.

Companies, such as Boeing, Northrup Grumen, and Lockheed Martin, all compete for a contract, which means they design and make a planem then submit it to the government. Then they select the winner and give them a contract with orders.

In some cases, such as the B-2 Bomber, more than one company works on a plane.

Answer 3

You are talking about prototypes. They are very expensive to build, and for this reason they only build one of a proposed design. (If it turned out to be a dud and they had built two, it would be a HUGE waste of money.) You are right that more than one test pilot will fly it.

Answer 4

The USAF doesn't make experimental planes. Defense contractors such as Boeing or McDonell Douglas do. They then try to "sell it" to the military.

Answer 5

It would be more common for two completlly different planes to be built at the same time (ex F-16 & F-18 both competed for the same contract) than it would be for more than one of the same kind to be built untill someone commits to pay for it.