EMALS already entails significantly less risk then EMCAT now that parts are starting to be delivered for the Ford class. I would say that EMALS has got through the most risky period and its more of a case of ensuring reliability. Also with EMALS becoming the standard for future American carriers the UK will benefit from operating within the far larger American logistics chain. I think Converteam will get some compensation work interfacing the EMALS power systems with the CVF power train. The Americans will be keen as the QE class equates to another carrier deck now they are talking about reduced super carrier numbers (ironically how they regarded the old Ark Royal in the seventies).

The next question is arresting gear, the new American advanced arresting gear vs DAX-II.

The Cobham MXU cargo pod is used on USAF fighters:

Not sure if it has been ever adapted for carrier use but the USN did use an adapted S3 Viking using under wing pods for high priority fast transit items:

I think it is a good idea for France or in the Future the UK with the QE class. In most cases neither CdG or QE/PoW will have the operational tempo to require a dedicated large COD like the C2 Greyhound. Large items will usually be transferred from the stores ship under slung from a helicopter or when the carrier is in harbour. The option to put a cargo pod on the F35 or Rafale would be attractive to bring in small items and mail etc. If the situation arose where you need the capacity of something like the C2 you might as well do what the French are doing now and borrow an American one!

Well back to the real world, what do people think the weapons package will be?

L159ALCA can carry Maverick, MK82 bombs, AIM9L/M Sidewinder and various LGB based on the MK82.

I vaguely remember that the targeting pod used was TIALD which I doubt Iraq would want so could another like Sniper be integrated?

Ah the A4, as I have said before the L159 ALCA would of been a perfect replacement for the New Zealand airforce. Except for the cannon ammunition the weapons carried by the A4 would of carried over to the L159 ALCA.

I don’t know what the performance difference is between the L159 ALCA but I think it would of been reasonable. The FIAR Grifo-L radar has a smaller antenna but would probably of been adequate in role. Finally it isn’t as big and scary as the F16.

I would think the L159 is a very strong fit for Iraq, it has a nice ground attack capability and aside from the Cannon the standard weapons fit is pretty compatible with the future F16 they intend to purchase. If they have any sense they should have some converted to the twin seat trainer configuration.

With the Lasta 95 and T6 Texan they will have a very enviable training structure.

with all due respect leiven doesn’t have a friggin’ clue, some of the things he says are childishly naive and uninformed.

but please guys, do not discuss US afghan policy here. I don’t want to get yet another locked thread.

His recent book is one of the best most informed I have read about the country, considering he has been to and lived in the country as well as spent significant time with different groups saying he hasn’t got a clue is a bit uninformed to my eyes. If you don’t like what he has to say thats your problem.

One thing I hope is the return of the Omega symbol!

When RN F4k operated off USS Saratoga for trials work they carried the Omega. More then likely the first UK F35C will trial off an American carrier, it would be nice to bring back the tradition.

Just for fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgLhK7ZT3zc

Hmmm thats a serious loss of face for Pakistans military on top of the American incursion. There will be ramifications…