Look at all those tigers ready to go out in that last pic.

There was a lot of talk about the MRH-90 at the Airshow and everyone was disappointed that NHI didn’t send one down to fly around. The first two are expected to be delivered some time in September or October this year.

in comparrison she really is a smaller ship than the Seaking that she will replace in Navy service but the fact that it can operate off the back of an Anzac is the huge plus here. 817Sqdn are really looking forward to getting them, they love the Seaking but they know too well that their time is up. These kits IIRC are due to be delivered some time early next year.

While at the Airshow I was chatting to the crew of the E-3D that was there (the nav and I became good friends instantly), and they told me that the FA-2’s will never fly again dispite what the popular press report.

Apparently they have been stripped of mission critical equipment that has found it’s way on board certain other types. SO if the Falklands were invaded again, the Shar’s will not partake in any fun games, Sorry guys.

MConrads: Mate on the back of the Todak and Commandant al Khattabi classes, are those Emerlec 30’s?

I’m interested in this gun system if anyone can supply any cutouts and/or pics, basically it’s the last Manned Gun Turret system in the world, thanks to the lovely innovations of computerisation and mechanics, they have all been faded out- but this system still uses the “Man in the Loop” method should primaries go off line.

Could the F/A-18XL be fitted with TVC? It would give it great manouverability. Also I thought the Hornets tail’s were slightly angled? Still TVC and No tails would make a rather stealthy plane!

I think it makes sence, why replace what you’ve lots with what’s not in production already? As for the G’s, well If the E/F’s can’t do the job then perhaps an investigation is needed as to why they were downed in the first place.

Cutting money from non essential areas is a good thing because it shows that theyb are priortising where the money goes and not just throwing it about. The current administration seems to lack the ability to control monetry flow in the right places, as a result they should be ousted and a more capable government set in place- one that also listens to the people I mean after all, wasn’t that what the whole US government was originally intended for- “A government by the people, of the people, for the people”!

Tid: mate Tasmania- you’re joking right, I want nothing to do with that tree hugging hippey Bob Brown and living in the same place as him would come down to one thing- “Sorry officer it was self defence, I had to kill him because he was S.itting me to death”! :diablo:

The movie is coming along very well thanks- After I get back from reporting on the Avalon Airshow we are hitting the filming stage (I hope- still having trouble with a couple of actors).

Dan: yes the Doctor does seem to think the world is coming to an end everytime the PRC looks at us doesn’t he. Just one point mate, the TNI-AU has four Flankers, two 27’s and two 30’s. Alo the SH’s are only going to be in service for 8 years according to press releases, and then the on slae of these planes will be looked into in order to provide further funds for more F-35’s. Who would buy them is a good question and how much will they pay is a better one. If India opts for the SH’s (A very outside chance here according to sources in India), then there is a good chance that this is where they might go. All this depends though on who is in favour with the US at the time.

Wow I remember when this thing was in Sydney as part of an exhibition, never did get to see it as I was away most of the time. Rather sad really- I think it would have given the Russians a good going in the Space race.

Jase1: Mate you bring a smile to my face with what you have just said. I have heard for a few years now that Australia is looking at a joint co-habbitation and ecconomic partnership such as the likes of the EU, only this deal includes Australia, New Zeraland and the PNG. Now whilest the PNG have opted not to discuss any such co-operation, our kiwi cousins have been far more responcive about the idea (why do you think you guys are now in our NRL games and Basketball games). The deal is said to be more about creating not so much an Eight state of Australia- not at all, but creating a new ecconomic power country called Oceania.

The defence co-operation is one part (and the most relavant when speaking here), but it’s more than this. No one is asking either the Aussies or the Kiwis to give up their national identity, but more along the lines of what we are seeing in Europe these days with “Joint Forces” being a seperate issue along side national forces.

You and I should have a few chats via PM or IM mate, sounds like we could learn alot from each other!

As for your point on the Hueys, I can see it, but I can’t agree with it- knowing the RNDF as I do, the MRH-90 is going to last a very very long time in it’s service (I seriously would be suprised if they don’t get up to 50 years out of it). The main thing with the UH-1Y is that it is at the end of it’s life growth potential as opposed to the MRH-90 which is at the start of it. This was the same deal with why we chose the Tiger over the Apache, the AH-64 is already into it’s development cycle as opposed to the Tiger which has just started.