Quote:
Originally Posted by -{SpoonmaN}-
I do get the point about the Super Hornet not having jazzy things like super-cruise, but otherwise I don't see it as being a bad choice as our standard AC. It has proven strike capability, a fair amount of operational flexibility (Growlers and the buddy-tanking system) and it would be a lot cheaper for us to convert over to it than it would to convert over to the JSF, as we would have to change less of our infrastructue around. Obviously there are range concerns however I don't see us needing or wanting to set up a large MEZ anytime soon. A 100+ fleet of Hornets would also allow us to maintain total dominance over our neighbourhood, since we'd have at least a 3 to 1 advantage over all our neighbours in gen 4.5 planes. Couple that with better avionics packages, better weapons and superior training (Especially concerning flight hours) and we'd be looking pretty good against our neighbours. More to the point, having a massive superiority is really just something we want to flash around, we WILL NOT be fighting a hot war with any neighbour in the coming decades. If anything, the RAAF is going to be defending our neghbours.
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I agree that it would not be a 'bad choice'. The RAAF would almost certainly include a number of EA-18G Growlers in an enlarged purchase and the cheaper cost, compared with the F-35 might allow the total number of aircraft to be increased beyond 100. A mix of say 48 FA-18Fs, 48 FA-18Es and 16 EA-18Gs would enable the air combat force to equip 5 squadrons with the SH. However, I still think a mix of SHs and JSFs is the most likely outcome. I do like the idea of some EA-18Gs being included in the mix.
I don't see much likelihood of the RAAF being in conflict with a neighbour but I think there is a strong possibility of RAAF squadrons being deployed in support of coalition operations. For that reason the RAAF needs aircraft that can operate efficiently alongside American squadrons. Both the SH and the JSF will be able to fill that role well.
Cheers