I won a holiday to switzerland a little while ago, so I’m off to there. 7 nights, 4 star hotel, flights, all free…. I guess someone has to do it.

Gripen NG will be same price class or even cheaper than the C/D.

The engine is cheaper by quite abit and there’s also more US origined components in the avionics. Don’t need to remind people about the weak US dollar.

But it’s not likely going to be available in time for the Swiss requirement. And the C/D has more commonality with the F-18 Hornet.

You can bet F-16 parts are only going to get more expensive when the USAF stops using them in the near future.

I think Gripen will probably be the way they go, either that or the phoon’. Thats my gut feeling anyhow.

The January edition of AFM features a letter to the editor on the subject. Personally I’m not sure how much it can be trusted, but I doubt they would print it if was too suspicious.

The letter mentions that an unofficial engagement has happened. I will quote the letter here:

‘This cannot be confirmed or admitted officially, but during Typhoon’s visit to the USA in 2005 both aircraft were pitted against each other (unofficially you understand). The F-22 pilot could not be seen by the Typhoon pilot, but his electronic countermeasures showed him that he was being ‘painted’ by his opponent. The Typhoon took appropriate ‘measures’ using self-defensive aids. But when it came to one on one combat, the Typhoon did the same job as it did with the Sukhois. The F-22 could not handle the Typhoon close in and the Yanks were shocked!’

Earlier in the letter, the author states that Typhoons were playing with Indian Su-30s, and made mincemeat of them.

I guess the Raptor probably isn’t the nimblest aircraft out there, so it isn’t entirely implausible.

I love these photos of armed tuboprops, any more out there?

Actually, I’m rather surprised that more world airforces don’t make use of them.

hour or two, thats pacing yourself!

I saw this video, and although it is funny I don’t really agree with its viewpoint.