I think PLAAF passed 200 number quite a time ago.

I think totals (in this case the “200” as production figure for the J-11) get blurred. People see the earlier Su-27s or the Su-30 variants, and get them confused. I doubt SAC has produced 200 J-11s yet.

The MRH90 is going to be hard work for the Navy. The utility model being used does not have for example automatic blade fold which is a big disadvantage at sea under heavy weather conditions.

The NH90 does have this feature – but really the ADF experience with French choppers should hit NH90 out of the comp.

I’ve said it before – we should stick with Coalition partner equipment, AH-64D, UH-60M and MH-60R.

The trick was in knowing how “high” of a speed to maintain. It was a fairly narrow envelope…too slow and energy bleed was excessive…too fast and turn rate and radius went down the drain. But, hit the sweet spot, and the Zipper was quite competitive in a turn-and-burn fight.

Therefore you would put out a memo to your adversaries? Please keep speed between 500-550 KIAS. :diablo:

note the Squadron markings on it instead of test markings

Actually the EG is for Eglin. Although the unit has a 58FS numberplate, it is for testing. So this will be the OT&E phase.

I recall that some PAF pilots were surprised how well the Starfighter flew at low level. I’m wondering why the Germans had trouble with it.

PAF used it as an interceptor, with gun and AIM-9s. The Germans loaded it with fuel tanks for nuke strike. Consider the wing loading and turning at low level.

Hmmm, ab….an interesting point.

Crusader didn’t get much export success, French Navy (coz it could operate from a carrier) and Philippines (probably because they were free). Maybe the greatest success of the F-8 was being the design catalyst for the A-7 Corsair.

F-104 was like s**t off a shovel in a straight line – this design was from the days of the supersonic bomber and Mach 2 fighter performance was required to catch them, and they probably were envisaged as the last manned-fighter. Of course money greased palms (that Dutch guy springs to mind) and the 104 had great export success, and the Luftwaffe overloaded it and made it the low-level strike deterrent. Of course the 104 had not been designed for this role and environment – as the story went, if you wanted a 104, just buy a plot of land in West Germany. They lost an incredible number, in excess of 500 I believe!!

The Grumman Tiger was a lovely looking jet, but had no systems. It didn’t remain long in service and is best remembered for being the star of the “Blue Angels” TV series!

Frankly, with the thinking of the time of the 1950s, it was a case of we need a fast straight-line fighter (104, Lightning, Mirage) and the Crusader was not seen in this league.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Perhaps they’ll dig so deep, they’ll pop out at Coningsby and nick one from there…………..

Mate, do think a team of convicts would burrow through and nick something from the Mother Country?? Shame. :diablo:

[And I didn’t even mention UK knocking off Mk VIII MV154 years ago and creeping out under the veil of darkness. And now it’s in Germany!!]

I’ve just built a simple website (with my zero experience in such things) for the Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome Museum. The gallery is basically all scrapyard pics and also the end results

That’s great Bell – you may be familiar with John Hopton’s book “Pots, Pans and Meteors”, aircraft scrapping at Toc 1960-63. If you contacted him, he may allow you to use his images too?

Another of interest to you is John Lever’s “7 OTU Tocumwal”.