Same old song

I would have thought that the Rhinos would be replaced in the early 2020s after about 10-15 years of service by the Final batch of F-35s.

Remember that the original … somewhat over optimistic idea was to have the F-111s operational until around 2020. The plan was to replace all of the Hornets first.

I don’t see the point of flying around in Hornets that would be pushing 40 years old while replacing 24 reasonably new aircraft.

Well we are all getting around to the same deduction, the Super Hornet will be around until 2020+ & it is just too far away to guess what will happen when that time arrives. My punt would be that they will be replaced by some unmanned object but who knows??:confused: :confused:

In fact the only regional fights I can see NZ getting involved in is the next coup in Fiji and problems in Timor, or if Australia pi$$e$ someone off.

You forgot to mention what might happen if NZ pisses someone off. As for Australia ,we have been pissing off other countries for years & they have been pissing us off as well, all with hardly a shot being fired, I suspect this will continue to be the status quo for a long time yet,anyhow how many other countries have actually heard of NZ, let alone try and find it with an invasion force. I do agree with you re the lack of real need at this point in time for an RNZAF fighter component,the Scooters were great at airshows & handy for the RAN to have excercises with but that job is now done with the Hawk trainer & the cost of supporting a squadron of F16s that is often mentioned is better being spent on the P3 upgrades ,MRV,OPV,IPV etc. programs.

Huh?

Although Garry Bs statements are a little bit contradictory taken individually they are reasonably true if you dont take the US into account . I believe the US could mount a succesful seabourne invasion of NZ wether NZ had a dozen Skyhawks/F16 or not .I also believe the US is the only country that mount a seabourne invasion without Australian aquesience. No Asian nation has the amphibious capacity or Naval Air power to do it . Only France with an Aircraft carrier and reasonable amphibious assets could try from their base in New Caledonia. If Australia did not agree which is about 100% likely ,the invasion fleet would be sunk by the RAAF in an afternoon & be out celebrating that night.Anyhow well off topic I,ll leave my 10 cents at that.

Where fore art they

[QUOTE=OzVark

Where were these pics. taken ,the city they are flying over does not look familiar.Nice anyhow.

Not so Super Red Flag

Yes, they do, though obviously not in near the numbers of the USAF. The Marines send Harriers and/or Hornets, while the Navy for the most part sends some EA-6Bs in the SEAD role.

For the current Red Flag, the Navy is sending 4 Prowlers from NAS Whidbey Island, while the Marines are sending an undetermined number of Harriers, for the second session of the exercise next month.

Its a pity the USN is not sending any Superdoopers [Future Aardpiglets] we would get a good writeup about them down here as we may be buying 24 of them [On another thread]. It would be good to see how they perform at this excercise as the plane they will be replacing [If the deal goes through] the F-111 Aardvark will be there.Anyhow I am hoping to see the Super at the Avalon Airshow in March.

Dreaming of Rachael

[QUOTE=Meat;1069225]In my opinion, the absolute best place you can go for Red Flag info is http://www.dreamlandresort.com .

Hi Meat, Thanks for posting the dreamland link, I have had quite a bit of enjoyment working my way thru it, or some of it anyhow. Great adv. for Rachael but who would want to live there.The 360% panoramic view from the Inn window is almost surreal.

Indian Gunners

India seems to always gunner buy some new toys. It might be easier to discuss the things that they arent interested in ,it would narrow the field a bit.

new forum

Like most things in my life it will have to wait until the New Year, good luck anyhow there is plenty of competition about.