I think the reason that the M2K cost so much in the past is that they were gouging arab AFs with the only decent alternative to embargo-happy USA. As Ive said before, the M2K should not cost more than the F-16, in fact it should cost a lot less as its more of a 3rd gen airframe, nothing like that of the F-16 but more similar to the Mirage 3/5. It should be pointed out the reason the Mirage 3/5 series sold so well is that they were cheap mach 2 fighters, around $5 million back in the 80s. 3rd world AFs dont need fancy computers for processing sensor data, they rely on ground control. So if the French want to hold out for 3rd world AFs to knuckle under and pay $70 million per Rafale, good luck with that.

But you’re comparing the planes, rather than the costs, like wages/man hours, development costs, and materials. The F16 has been produced in vast numbers. Given that the investments for the Rafale have been made, and its production is current, anything else you choose to produce will almost certainly be at a cost disadvantage as it will require opening of a new line and production of new, different to Rafale parts. If Pierre Baguette is put onto the M2k line instead of the Rafale line, he will probably still be wanting the same wages.

When we were outside doing fireworks and bonfire last night it was really foggy down here, so thats the most likely cause IMO.

Just a side thought…

It looks like this would be pretty difficult to do in your “backyard” in the UK comparably to the US/Aus ect, due to higher land prices, and the restrictions on what you can use farmland and similar for.

I wouldn’t choose Lossiemouth as military bases act as a form of subsidy, and the Scottish have received more than their fair share from the Labour party during the Brown/Bliar years, so deserve a lot less now to even it out. There is also the independence issue to consider.

I agree that Yeovilton makes the most sense, though I don’t think the RAF would much like it.

Whilst I love going clubbing, halloween just brings out all the pr1cks in their costumes of anonymity, so it’s probably a night to avoid 🙂

@paul178

American tradition I can do without![/QUOTE]

A pressure washer and an air rifle work make a good second line. We don’t really get any trick or treaters around here except for a few young kids with their parents and they aren’t intending to do any tricks.

What is any of this based on? If Russia felt the Su-33K would be much better than the MiG-29K, they would simply have modernized the Su-33 along the lines of the multiple domestic Flanker modernization plans. Also, India could have requested a modernized Su-33 if it was “much better” as you claim. Nah, the logic doesn’t add up, sorry.

Both the RuAF and Indians feel fine, they made the right decision. 😎

See the above points. The Russians chose Mig-29K on cost and practicality grounds. Why would Russia run two production lines for naval fighters each producing a few tens of planes? Insanity. While they both certainly made the right decision on which to procure, it is a separate issue to which is the better plane, the better plane being the Sukhoi.

Is that confirmed or wishful thinking?

If you are referring to the Royal Navy, then yes the F35C decision was part of the SDSR, along with the decision to go with electromagnetic catapults and arrestors on the CVF from the new American CVN. That said, it has been fairly obvious the RN was going to ditch F35B for quite a while, the only question really was what they were going to choose instead!

Non-job anyway

Just pick some random old lady with a nice wave

Mig-29K is ok, but given the choice I’d go with the SU-33 everytime 🙂

The Chinese seem to be going with an SU-33 like aircraft, so the Indians might not be feeling so great!