As much as I dislike it, at least the Typhoon programme is in bad shape. The Italians and the British are happy with their backseater position in JSF programme, and Germany/Spain are not that determined either.

As it stands, the JSF camp just wants a cheap Tranche 2+. Some larger external fuel tanks, and the full range of a2g weapons.

The Russians on the other hand got a follow on programme with PAK-FA, from which they can carry over some technology. There is a schedule and systems are selected for development. And they put in the aircraft the best technologies they have at hand.

Now look at the EF. Plenty of wonderful technologies, but absolutely no determination to get them in an operational aircraft. Guess next thing is to cancel Meteor, since AMRAAM D will be integrated into JSF anyway and is most probably comparable in performance.

I thought Germany was really pushing for more integration of technology in the typhoon? seems like Rafale is also experiencing some uninterest from Sarkozy gov’t.

Ceiling for a supersonic aircraft is normally half way between Mach 1 and maximum design Mach number (if we do not consider supersonic optimized aircraft).
The value is rather academical. It tells you more about the propulsion system than about the aircraft.

The ugly truth: The Flanker still carries the weight it got through the early 1970ies specifications of the PVO. Remember that originally the Soviets only wanted to produce the Flanker specification, but MiG came up with the idea of building something smaller and more fitting for front line service.
To carry 8 AAM into a CAP the Flanker is just oversized. At least the second member of the the 16t+ OEW club (other members are F-14 [earlier] and F-22 [much later]).

do you also feel the F-15 is over sized for its role?

thanks for the detailed info. do you know the name of the main bases they are stationed in? at least for New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Reunion.

I think the one in French Polynesia is called Rimap?
when I google bases for New Caledonia, I keep getting results about American bases in ww2

For those who believe peak oil will be coming sooner than later, how long can Hawaii’s tourism industry last since more than any other place, is reliant on air transportation? (i don’t think too many people want to take a boat ride there)

The real question is going to be what the knock on effects will be – it has to be remembered that India is increasingly open to other suppliers. In particular, where they previously relied on Russia for pretty much anything complex, they are now buying Israeli missiles (Barak and the new super Barak thing), French/European missiles and in the future, Indian missiles! The Russian bargaining position is weakening with every year that goes by, and the more projects that go wrong, go overbudget, or simply disappoint, the worse it will get. I am hoping that MRCA goes to the Rafale, because it will be a suitable kick up the Russian’s behinds for the way they have been treating India.

perhaps they realize that India will go elsewhere, which is why they’re trying to milk them out of as much money as possible? seems that way with the Chinese too, who are relying more on their own designs as of late, but have been in disagreement lately over the price of the Ilyushins