Groover158

This decision came in a few days ago. This decision is largely based on the capability shortfall between the impending retirement of the 'Pig' (2010) and a likely 2 year delay on the F-35 program. Deliveries from July next year and the potential for F/A-18G Growlers to be included in the future.

Interestingly, Boeing has said that it is starting talks with Brazil and Denmark for Super Hornets.

Government clears Super Hornets deal - National - theage.com.au

These are exciting times for the ADF.

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nosegear

give us the MIGS!!!!!

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Groover158

Hi Pop,

As we discussed on the phone quite a while ago; it'll never happen. Well, not in the near future anyway. I'm not saying that this is for the better. In fact the decision not to select Russian hardware is a purely political decision based soley on public perception. And in terms of the decision; capability and cost efficiency will not even get a look in. Nonetheless, by chosing the US hardware, I guess we are dealing with 'known' aspects in terms of supportability and we are quite familiar with the heritage of the design.

That said, I think a brand new MiG-35 would look nice in the hangar.

Attachment 42689

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TexAV8R

Amazing how things have changed. Who would have thought 20 years ago that the Indonesian and Malaysian Air Forces would be flying russian MIGs and the Polish Air Force American F-16s today? The AN-225 is also being used to provide some logistical support to US troops in Iraq. We may still see Aussies flying in MIGs someday :-)

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champpitbull2

The US owns a few Migs. They admitted last year that they operated a secret squadron of captured planes at the Tonapah test range. They also have a bunch of Mig-29s that were if I remember correctly from Moldova.

Anyways, that F-18 Super Hornet is fun to watch. One showed up for our airshow last year and it ripped up the sky.

I thought it was interesting that some Australian officials wanted a chance at acquiring the F-22. If given the chance do you think Australia would put up the cash to buy it?

Groover158

I think they would do it in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact I believe that there is a delegation over there now trying to do just that. I believe that there is currently a US law which prohibits the export of F22s and the delegation were trying to see 'the right people' about getting the law amended to allow the export to Australia. I don't think they hold too much hope as other nations have tried and failed before. Perhaps they are going to argue the fact that with us being the US's best buddies in the whole wide world; we should get special treatment. Here's hoping.

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QFA388

I would have preferred to seen the Typhoon with the skippy roundals but that's just me.

Much better aircraft too!

champpitbull2

Are you saying the Typhoon is better then the F-22 or that you would have liked to see it rather then the F-18?

champpitbull2

I think the F-22 might be too new as of right now. I could see it being sold to countries such as Australia, the UK and Japan before 2020 though.
The Super Hornet seems to be a good plane but I think it and other planes such as the Grippen and Typhoon are getting behind the times. New planes such as the F-22 and F-35 will have a distinct advantage in a fight with their stealth technology. The new Russian fighters will have an advantage with their thrust vectoring nozzles. The Grippen has the fwd canards but the thrust vectoring nozzles make a plane more manuverable. I think Australia's is doing the right thing though by at least acquiring the F-35 with the F-18. At the moment it will be one of the best tandems allowed by law.