Brazilian government is under negotiations with France for Subs, Helicopters 9EC-725) and equipments for the Army. French President are coming here next December and probably the agreement will be signed. In this case the helicopters will be assembled locally at Helibras plant (Subsidiary of Eurocopter).

Based on that, I think the chances for the Rafale are decreasing. Will be the Super Hornet (Legacy Hornets for the Navy) or Gripen NG……but I will not be surprised if the government gets those two, the first to replace the M2000s (first to be replaced) and the Gripen NG replaces both the F-5s and AMXs.

Nae São Paulo is still at the dock and probably will be there for a long time. I hardly believe that the government will think in offer to buy Kitty Hawk, it is too expensive to maintain and operate and also we don’t have an air wing. I have the opinion that the government must scrap the carrier and spread the naval aviations throughout the country (today 95% of the fleet are located in the state of Rio de Janeiro).

[QUOTE]Well a Hornet or Rafale purchase could have an impact on future carrier operation plans. I do wonder if Brazil has plans beyond the Foch… on that note I know I have said this long ago in another thread but the new Indian carrier class could have a very interesting future on the Export market. Its just the right size for several types to operate off it and there is no reason why future variants could have catapault rather then the Ski Jump. If India price it right it could be very attractive to a number of nations Brazil included (maybe even with a split buy with Argentina).

On the other hand a Gripen purchase would be very attractive, its through life logistic and operation costs are excellent.”

One of the discussions is to include the Navy in the deal. There are plenty of As/Bs/Cs/Ds Hornets on storage that could be delivered to the Navy and recently French Navy has disposed a couple of Rafale F1 versions. I don’t believe that the navy has plans to operate another carrier and in fact i prefer to have the jets land based, retiring the carrier. As I mentioned before, with the agreements with France for Helis, Subs and equipment for the Army, I doubt Rafale will win. My guess….SH and Gripen NG for the Air Force, Legacy Hornets for the Navy.

See this link, from the official Brazilian AF website, about the arrival of the team at Fairford.

Unfortunately is in portuguese, but in general says that team arrived after 25 hours trip that took seven days. Also says that on July 10th the team made a display to the organization of the show and for the upcoming displays there some new sequences.

http://www.fab.mil.br/portal/capa/index.php?mostra=587

As a Brazilian, I watch them a lot and I never get tired to see. I can tell you that is a very, very nice show. Enjoy.

Ken,

You will not be disapointed…enjoy

The F-22 Raptor will be, by far, the most expected attraction for the show this year.

But take a look, on July 12 and 13, on the display the Brazilian AF Smoke Squadron (Esquadrilha da Fumaça) will perform with its seven coloured Tucanos. Its not loud and fast as most of the displays…but it has some good tricks…worth a look.

sad news, my condolences to his family in this very difficult time.

We will have in the near future at least 50 F-5BR equiped with BVR missiles, plus 12 M2000 (to be upgraded when the new jet will be decided) plus 36 new jets. All of these jets backed up by the R-99 AWACS aircraft. I think is a respectable force on a south american scenario considering possible “enemy” AMV Flankers armed or not with the R-77.

Regarding the bid, some say RAFALE is the front runner but there others potential candidates. I don´t believe the americans wants to lose this bid. Recently FAB Cinc went to US and were discussions for a possible mix of F-15/F-16 and even the F-18 is a possibility to equip the Air Force and the Navy. Also there are Gripens supporters inside the government and also EADS is doing the lobby for the Typhoon. EADS is really doing business with the armed forces (C-295, upgrade of the P-3 plus army helicopters). So it´s all speculation until the final annoucement that probably will take place beginning next year.

But interesting will be the next Cruzex to be held in Brazil november 2008. My opinion.
Brazil – F-5BR, A-1, M2000, R-99, A-29;
Venezuela – F-16, Su-30;
Chile – F-5 TIII, F-16C;
Argentina – A-4AR;
Peru – M2000, Mig-29;
Uruguay – A-37;
Colombia – Kfir;
France – M2000/Rafale;
Spain – EF-18