According to public sources the GR.1 was the version with two cannon. The reconnaissance version, GR.1A, did not have either cannon. GR.1A were later converted to GR.4A. All ECR versions have both guns removed, too, to make space for the sideways looking infra-red sensors and emitter locator equipment. All ADV versions had the left cannon removed for the retractable refueling probe. The EF.3, being an ADV variant also did not feature the left gun because of its retractable refueling probe and because of it’s external RWR was able to retain one gun. The GR.1B, a revised GR.1 for the maritime attack role, had the left cannon removed for a retractable refueling probe. GR.1B were later converted to GR.4B. When the RAF GR.1 aircraft were converted to GR.4, the FLIR sensor replaced the left hand cannon.

No Rafale probably cools off any chance of upgrading their Mirages. With Brazil being closely aligned with Italy in joint aerospace ventures it would make more sense to go Typhoon, perhaps even a Typhoon lease and a small Gripen buy. Sell off the Mirages and move on. With a move towards the EF they might be more inclined to work other deals with Germany and the UK for their needs.

I had a bad feeling that when this thing got strung out it would fall apart altogether.

So can anybody compile numbers and versions left? I assume no ADV versions are around save for what the Saudis have. It sounds like just some IDS/GR, F.3—>GR conversions, and ECR remain.

MAKS 2009 had some brilliant combinations. Three vantage points of the same display…



One of these days I’m getting there.

Back in the late 80’s it was all about ‘frontal aspect’ heatseekers and ‘true lookdown-shootdown’ radar guided missiles.

I like that set of pictures. Beats the pictures awhile back with Iranian Tomcats escorting the demonstration team of Flankers. About the only thing that would trump it is a picture with Su-27 or Su-30 or Su-33; Su-34; Su-35; MiG-29A or MiG-29M; MiG-35OVT; F/A-18A or F/A-18C; and F/A-18E altogether. That would truly rock it more, but that won’t ever happen even in Photoshop.

Missiles slung externally underneath, whether on a pylon or streamlined, suffer the effects of airflow and their relative vibrations. Even internally held missiles will vibrate because they too rest on the end of a moment arm. It’s impossible to say which one vibrates more or less than the other from public data.

Serbia is majority Slav. Russia will never let Sino influence permeate Serbia. They will sooner gift them MiG-29s than allow them to acquire JF-17.