I am very sure that the Russian navy got just as much value and experience out of the trial of these Indian MiG-29K’s!

I have always scratched my head as to why the Soviet Navy adopted the Su-33 over that of the original MiG-29 carrier derivative?
Ok there is little argument as to the power and capability of the Flanker.
But because of its reliance of the ski-jump type take off, the superior range and loitering capability of the larger Flanker is greatly lost, as it was never able to carry the weapons and fuel load of its land based brother, so that it could achieve ski-jump take off.

But the smaller and lighter MiG-29 offers more numbers aboard with a smaller spotting factor.
I think the Russian Navy adoption of the MiG-29K, will give it greater operational flexibility!
Then again I’m just a Digger!

Regards
Pioneer

Don’t tell me the Chinese (PRC) have purchased a decommissioned Essex Class, to which it is to be converted to a floating hotel/casino???:diablo:

Regards
Pioneer

I think someone dusted off the Avenger II plans….

I wish they would!!!
But this time with strict oversight and accountable management, and a US Navy with a realistic requirement and capability.

Regards
Pioneer

Sorry, but I have always wondered just how much of the Ho 229 configuration was ‘so-called radar evading’ – as apposed to aerodynamic want and efficiency?:confused:

Regards
Pioneer

So how many Americans suffered a similar fate?

‘Both a very valid and reasonable question’!!

Regards
Pioneer

A good and valid point about the need for an escort for the V-22, as the AH-1Z will not be able to keep up with the Osprey!
Just as the venerable UH-1 gunship was unable to keep up with the new CH-47 Chinook, which contributed greatly to the brining about of the AH-1G Cobra!
I hope the USMC does not kid itself that the Osprey’s speed will get it through to its LZ or extraction point (I have bad thoughts of the top-brass thing similar with the doctrine of Strategic bombing leading up to and during WWII!!!!!!!):eek:

I would like greatly to think that the same and simple design philosophy of Bell Helicopters could be applied to this outstanding requirement – say same engines, wings, and rotor arrangement of the MV-22, incorporated to a new slim-line and more aerodynamic (and much lighter!) fuselage arrangement = higher speed and power-to-weight ratio and maneuverability, as well as allowing a decent weapons payload and range (and loiter time!).
I do not think incorporating the forward fuselage and cockpit arrangement of the AH-1Z would be too difficult or a bad idea. After all it’s proven, accepted by USMC flight crews, and will ease maintenance greatly.
It would be cost effective, especialy when both MV-22 & AH-1Z are designed and built by Bell.

Well just a thought

Pioneer

“The radar still does not comply with the full contracted specification designated by the RAAF, but defence experts are now far more confident it is a sound architecture to build on.”

The present result after a delay of 38 month.

“WEDGETAIL PROGRESSING WELL …..FINALLY!

A very strong claim to stay polite.

Sadly another case of the ADF jumping in boots and all into a high tech project, which looked great on the drawing board and pitched as the be-all and end-all by clever salesmen.
unfortunately, the ADF (and the Australian Government!) never seem to learn from these debacles!
Which usually always equates to me be allocated less round and explosives (let alone basics like boots and socks) to make up for stuff ups just like this!!!!!!!

When will the ADF learn that its size and budget is not that of the big boys.
Some where and some how the ADF’s principles of ‘Keep it simple Stupid’ and ‘The Six-P’s’ (Practice & Preperation – Prevents P*ss Poor Performance) has been lost!!!!!!!!

Regards
Pioneer

Big, fast interceptors with look down/shoot down capability (e.g. MiG-31, SU-27) made obsolete all of the nap-of-earth penetrating bombers like Tornado, Jaguar, F-111 and B-1 .

In theory that is!

No body has enough aircraft of this caliber to detect every in bounder.
I would say it is the advent (and to some degree the proliferation) of the AEW / AWACS platform that has gone much further in adding a counter to low-altitude penetrater’s.

But as in the case of the so-called revived Russian Air Force – you need to have the money, training and skill to put these Su-27’s and MiG-31 advance aircraft in the air in the first place.

After all didn’t the Soviets have the likes of Su-27’s and MiG-31 in the PVO at the time of that West German dude flying into Red Square in his low tech civilian aeroplane?:confused:

Regards
Pioneer