re the previous quote that … the F-16 wasnt in the bidding contest… [/QUOTE]

The F.16 Falcon was definately one of the types presented for evaluation and was actually favoured by the Ilmavoimat.
Other aircraft looked at were the MiG.29 Fulcrum (rejected as being twin engined, a single engined type was preferred!), The Mirage 2000 and Saab 39 Gripen (stil in development at that point!)
The F.18 Hornet was a latecomer to the submission but won out due to its better specification in comparism to the F.16 and better arrangements made for in country manufacture

there were a number of articles in the Finnish and defence press around the period of the DX decision, the most accessable probably being the ‘Ilmavoimat 1991’ yearbook which outlines the evaluation of the 4 types noted abiet prior to the F.18 submission

kiitos joe

a long shot i know, does anyone have copies of the BAC. in house magazine ‘Airframe’ circa mid 1960’s or know of any libraries which may hold copies?

i like ‘joeyr’s idea of coming up with our own fun TSR concepts, def could be fun

cheers, joe

aha, ill try making some enquiries re the pcb/avionics angle, many thanks

iv a couple of module units from the TSR.2 TFR unit which would make for an ‘interesting’ necklace if joined together as a ring :dev2:

cheers, joe

re a possible RN. Rafale, there is a company model iv seen (admittedly from THALES) which has on deck Rafales and a Hawkeye painted overall grey with little British roundels, just a model i know but …

last i heard the UK. was to build modules for the new French carrier too?

a speculation, but im guessing neccessary budget cuts will force the cancellation of one of the two UK. vessels, probably the reason two were ordered anyway. The RN. agreeing to not replace Trident system would offset the costs of the build. the RAF. would then cover the ‘nuclear deterrent’ once more with ‘SCALP C / nuclear Storm Shadow’ ?

Recent noises re joint defence treaties with France do make sense in a 21st century minimal funding defence structure, especially if we are to try cut the apron strings from the US. (having said that im sure the next premiership of the US. and the leadership here in the UK. after the next election will ensure the ‘special relationship’ continues as before)

cheers, joe

re. Soviet 244N type training shapes

for modelmaking purposes, does anyone have any images of the Soviet training shapes used on the types mentioned above, i recall seeing one on a museum website but a quick online search has not as yet turned anything up ?

many thanks, Joe Cherrie

im sure there are a few others iv come across over the years, some noted to hand are …

Fieseler Fi.156 Storch (Stork)
Horten Ho.IX/Gotha Go.229 Fledermaus (Bat)
Focke Wulf Ta. P.VIII Flitzer (Madcap)
Heinkel He.162 Spatz (Sparrow)
Arado Ar.234 Blitz (Lightning)
Bachem Ba.349 Natter (Viper)
Focke Wulf Ta.183 Huckbein (Raven)
Focke Wulf 187 Falke (Falcon)
Messerschmitt Me.410 Hornisse (Hornet)

cheers, Joe

recently obtained from a colleague a JSF. Lightning display model in Finnish markings, standard dark over light grey with small roundels (lt, grey, blue, lt. grey!) on the forward fuselage and on the port wing, different, ill try posting an image on here

cheers, Joe