$1,280 coffee cups. We bought almost 400. It is nothing new to buy crap that is far cheaper, and even the exact thing! My late friend Chris Bower knew a guy at Aeroquip (I think that was the company). He had some bolts (1/4" ) used for turbines. What they sold them for was $12/bolt. They sold them to GE. GE then sold them to the military. We ended up paying around $100/bolt.
From the article: "Because it connects to the aircraft, replacements require FAA airworthiness certification." - Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson
So the Air Force is subject to FAA rules and regs?! Hahahahaha.
Don't get me started on that!
Bernie Sanders posted this on facebook. I wonder if this has anything to do with the DOD getting more money than they asked for.
Point.
The big scare in Aerospace,is how many counterfeit fasteners(nuts,bolts,screws and rivets) are in aircraft,tanks,missiles,submarines, and other critical items that may fail when stressed?
Aerospace. I forgot the name of the company! Yes, you don't want a Stage * bolt. But we could do it cheaper.
NAS and Mil-Spec fasteners are pricey,but made to exacting tolerances,The US Navy has a requirement of traceability,all the way back to the ore the fastener was made from, in some situations.
I won't disagree with you on tolerance. I did R&D for an engine building company. A $12 bolt costs $100. A coffee cup costs almost $1,300?
@TheGreatShadow Yes,"Padding" the bill,the taxpayer takes it in the behind,most times.
@Mike1947 Agreed. And the whistleblowers get in trouble. A buddy of mine got out of the Marines a few months ago. He said there was about 200 tanks that never moved since he was at the base. Military food sucks. Can't afford anything better?