Originally posted by Distiller
A quick comparison of acquisition costs FY03:
F-16C USD30mio
F-16E USD50mio
F-18E USD60mio+
EF2000 USD70mio+
Rafale USD70mio+ (estimation)
F-35 CTOL USD40mio (estimation/projection)

I really don’t think the CTOL F-35 will cost anywhere near the EF2000. That would simply be not affordable. Such inflated prices would be an absolute showstopper for the programme. The only reason for a price in the USD80mio region would be massive cuts in overall production numbers. And since neither side invented the magic toolbox yet, maintainance costs will not dramatically differ I guess, but that we won’t be able to tell before 2012-15.

“-Does the JSF require special maintenance caution, a la B2 with the fragile skin surface?”
> Yes, if you really want to be radar-stealthy.

“I don’t see JSF as an interceptor although tests will tell.”
> Ja, we’ll see. The weight-thrust-ratio of the F-35 CTOL (16 to 19.5) should be somewhat better than the EF’s (17 to 18), but EF will have better performance on higher flight levels due to its engine characteristics and delta wing. F-35 on the other hand will have less drag due to internal weapons carriage. Everything tells us, that the F-35 CTOL’s radius of action will be spectecular. The EF doesn’t go far w/o large external fuel tanks.

what’s the cost of the Gripen and SU-30.. about 30-35 for both I presume?

Originally posted by Malandro
Eurofighter is much better and costs almost the same !!!!:eek: 😮 😮

How is it much better?

Originally posted by Erez
Doesn’t he has the Derby?

No, just Python.

Does anyone have a pic of this toilet and microwave? I hope it’s not the same unit :p

Anyways, lets talk about the air to air combat potential of the Su-32. Obviously it has great range and payload capabilities, however I heard it uses simplified (don’t know if it’s fixed or not) air intakes compared to it’s other Flanker cousins, also perhaps the heavier weight as well as the air intake issue limits its air to air performance? Also how is it’s radar in the air to air mode vs the N-011M.

Originally posted by J33Nelson
What is going on with Vietnams Cahn Rahm Bay (spelling) naval base?? Are the Russians still going to use it or have they been kicked out yet?

Nope, Putin decided to stop using Cam Ranh Bay as well as a “listening” base in Cuba, rent was becoming too high according to his statement.

Originally posted by mixtec
Do you know what cabin fever is? Have you seen the news reports of scientists whove come down with cabin fever in the Antarctic?

No i have not seen the news, can you post it? Most things about Cabin fever tend to revolve around fictional movies.

but if it’s anything about going crazy over the inactivity of being indoors constantly, then it’s because they are indoors constantly. If you look at Arctic settlements such as on the Yamal peninsula or Wegnan Island (sp), the people there are very active outdoors.