Hi Ja,

Sorry I missunderstood you on the kiwi A-4s… 😉

Well, any upgrade would do wonders for the Skyhawks but the idea to subject them to the existing F-5EM upgrade at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant is still under consideration. this would add a whole new Elbit digital/glass cockpit comuters and avionics, new Fiar Grifo X radar, RWR, chaff/flare launchers BVR (Derby/R-Darter probably) missile capability and the ability to fire the local Piranha IR short range missiles. The Navy by using the already tested F-BR upgrade would reduce the program’s risk and grow component comonality simplifying the logistics operation.

But the first truely effective and modern shipboard fighter for the Brazilian Navy would only come after the A-4s time. Maybe by 2010-5 timeframe, a new fighter/attacker ought to relegate them to a secondary training role, if there is money to keep them flying. Possible options are centered around the F-18A/B/C/D, the Rafale or the MiG-29K.

For some skyhawk pictures I suggest: http://www.basemilitar.com.br/artigos/vf1/index.htm

Best Regards,

Hammer