I think the key point we are all starting to understand is it has to be from the MOD’s parts bin.

The 30mm canon that the Rivers etc use is sufficient for most tasks the C3 will face, I think the solution is fitted for but not with as is often quoted. So put the hole in for the Mk8 but plate it over and fit the 30mm. Even better make it modular like the MEKO concept and then it’s even more attractive on the global export market.

] So the Boeing/Northrop team fired the big boy today!

*OFF-TOPIC ALERT*

“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve
constructed; the ability to destroy a planet is
insignificant next to the power of the Force.”
– Darth Vader (CV James Earl Jones), Star Wars Episode IV:
A New Hope (1977)

Yeah but Star49 would still say the mighty Russian armed forces could take on the Deathstar:diablo:

And a few other countries. Those retired S-3s have more airframe hours left than a new-build fighter. They’re not bad with their current sensors, & could be upgraded quite easily, e.g with a new surface search radar. They can carry a good selection of anti-ship & ASW weapons, have good range & excellent loiter time, & I think quite modest operating costs. There are vast quantities of spares available, so long-term support isn’t a problem, as you can stock up on everything you might need. And the last I heard, the Yanks weren’t charging for the aircraft themselves, but only the delivery, spares, manuals etc.

For that matter the RN took a look at them for the new carriers in respect of an AEW platform – I think it was along the lines of searchwater.

The swedes are trying to offload several dozen A & B versions. Give them an option for Americanized updates. These are much less of a long range threat to Isreal than F-16’s that have decent mileage left in them.

I come back to my previous point, why do you think a small number of F16’s with no tanker support or overflight rights be any risk to Israel? Any Iraqi government would have to be insane to tweek the tale of that tiger!

Give them a chance to buy Americanized Gripens instead. We don’t need a government that is not particularly trustworthy at this stage owning such an air force in such proximity to Israel.

Do you seriously think a few even late block F16’s are going to cause Israel to loose any sleep:rolleyes:

I think the C130J and more Mi17 helicopters would be the first priority for Iraq, I certainly see the F16 being inducted a few years down the line (I will buy a pint for everyone if they got anything else:D).

A few years back I would of also said surplus out of AMARG but now new build is the best way forward. Most of the F16 airframes at AMARG are worn out or broken down for parts, same goes for the F/A18’s and F15’s. The real shame is the row after row of low mileage A7E and A6E sitting at the bone yard, quite a few had been retired long before they had used up all their traps. The S3 Viking would also make a useful maritime patrol type for Iraq as well.

Ok I see how near is nearby then? Do you know if an ew suite is fitted?

Depends who? The RAF Sentry are fitted with an EW suite as far as I’m aware.

Does make you wonder why they signed up to buy more Harpoons recently though. :confused:

Available quickly off the shelf!

Its going to take time to induct a new supersonic missile…Harpoon is a simple choice to Bolster their defences quickly.

Considering the rapid improvements in the PLAN not a bad idea.