Would it not make sense for the USN to phase out the SH pretty quickly once the F-35 gets ready? With one-a-day production rates those F-35 will arrive in huge numbers quite fast! And operating more two types of a/c is more expensive.

Also keep in mind that even some years before starting out-phasing the SH, the USN will lose interest in investing in that platform, which means less integration of new weapons and less upgrades towards the end.

I tried to find the source for the 2030 date but did not locate it yet, so it may be wrong?

L

The USN still has a large “classic” FA-18 fleet ie C and D models that would probably be replaced first once F-35 is operational, as apposed to simply delivered. Then presumably would come the Block 1 SH, with their “old” technology APG 73.

But Block 2 SH is equipped with a state of the art radar and avionics, and combined with its two person crew is capable of dealing with air and ground targets simultaneously, making it a useful strike platform. Add to that its buddy refueling capability, and the FA-18G Growler. The USN might want to hold onto its Block 2 fleet for some time.

I do like the union flag bit mind.:cool:

??? Are you referring to the Southern Cross on the tail?

Many seem to believe that SH should be the strongest candidate; I am not so sure. When will the US start to decommission the SH? Somebody told me 2030, is this correct?

L

But if that relates to early build Block 1 aircraft, then the SH will still be around for a lot longer with the USN.

I have seen some comparisons showing how the SH is supposed to have better payload range that the older aircraft, but it appears that there is a heavy dose of smoke and mirrors involved (could give specifics, but that make a long post even longer).

But isn’t that the kind of comment that gives these SH threads their predictable slant and lessens their credibility. Any metric where the SH betters its contemporaries is always rejected as irrelevant, simply ignored, or just dismissed: the SH’s order of magnitude better RCS compared to F-15, its significantly better radar compared to Eurocanards, the more mature, all round nature of its capabilities compared to EF, for example.

If you’re talking about Australia, you should be aware that the decision to buy the SH was almost exclusively by the former SecDef, Nelson or something was his name. There were alot of former RAAF seniors opposed to the SH. Also the new goverment looked into cancelling the order but they would have to incur a monetary penalty for cancellation because the contract was already signed – the 24 SH’s reamained.

The SH deal had it’s proponents as well as it’s detractors – just like any decision. Some opponents were “F-22 or nothing”, an outcome not likely for Australia. The new government have confirmed the SH purchase, and in doing so have stated that the SH has the capability to defeat all regional threats.