the Typhoon bid has a fair chance, as long as they are willing to price compete

Indeed.

I personally don’t believe the F-15SE has it all its own way. Despite what is said here politics will play a part so in a way the recent news stories concerned the DPRK plays a little into uncle sam’s hands given the show of support.

That said, lets not forget that the Trache3 version of Typhoon is an exceptionally formidable swing aircraft which suits the nature of the expected combat with the DPRK well, especially given stealth technology will have a more limited effect in a Korean conflict given the more likely scenario for closer air to air combat

On that note, ask F-22 pilots what happened to them when they flew against RAF/GAF Typhoons out of Nellis on close combat sorties…besides being pretty evenly matched a lot were surprised at how stealthy the Typhoon appeared to be!

I guess it’s pretty obvious from this post but I for one hope to see Typhoon in ROKAF service 😉

Finally one that has puzzled me for a long time. I snapped this Tornado wreck at RAF Abingdon on the way out from the BoB display on 15 Sept 1990 but have never been able to trace its identity. Anyone have any thoughts?

I reckon that’s probably ZD710 a GR.1 which crasked into a field on the other side of the A34 after a bird strike which took out the engines while taking off from Abingdon 14 September 1989.

F-4D went 2008.

F-16C are getting (already have?) Israeli Condor 2 recon pods. AFAIK the RF-4C remain in service.

There were 55-60 F-4E back in 2001. AFAIK two squadrons have been replaced by F-15K. Last F-4E squadron should be replaced by remaining F-15K 2010-11 or retired 2015-2020.

I’d think 2010-11 as, AFAIK, the F-4E haven’t gone through major airframe upgrades.

No they didn’t. F-4D is still in service and will be well into 2010.

F-15K is replacing F-4D not F-4E. The plan has always been to run down the F-4E fleet with all F-16 deliveries now on line.

Be nice if the MoD could move her to Kemble to be with the Britannia.

I don’t know about the B+W but I believe the majority of his personal slide collection was sold to a Frenchman about 10-15 years or so ago.

Was great talking photography with you Steve, you’ll be missed.

My sincere condolences to the family and friends. A very sad loss.

Yes, especially as EMA Aeropark would have willingly taken ‘TIG and repainted her in BMA colours with who she once flew.