Fantastic shots, especially the slose-up on the Gazelle. The first Stike Eagle is really nice as well.

Flex, thanks for the info, that will help a bunch.
I do have one more question. I understand the Greek Air Force retired its Mirage F1 fleet in 2003. What ever happened to the last twenty-eight airframes? Were they put into long term storage or have they been scrapped? As I understand, certain African nations were interested in purchasing them but that would only leave South Africa and Lybia. South Africa retired their fleet to make room for the Atlas Cheetah and the arrival of their new Gripens.
Lybia, on the other hand, well I am having a hard time finding information on the status of their Mirages. Scramble.net doesn’t have a page on the LARAF and which is where I might have been able to find some info. Tried Global Security but they had a simple overview. I would imagine, at this stage, that these aircraft are probably grounded due to a lack of spare parts. Any further data on these fighters would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all!

It has been explained several times why Boeing won. Airbus will not accept it. Airbus want a “Sorry, we’ll order A380s then” type answer.

Th elink posted by KabirT clearly illustrated what AI Express was looking for and I find myself believing that the A32X might have been the better choice. Now I know that you shouldn’t always believe the press or I am not saying that the 737NG is an inferior product. All I am saying is that Airbus may have had a reason to question the selection process.

The Middle East is indeed witnessing incredible growth. I lived in Abu Dhabi for several years during the early eighties and when I see recent footage of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I can’t believe the difference. Many believe that what Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are doing might be a little dangerous. They are investing a lot of money they might one day loose if they get a little too far ahead of themselves. They seem very sure of themselves with the proiduct they are selling to the public!

IMO, I don’t think Airbus is whining as much as they are trying to figure out why the Indian government suddenly made a 180 degree turn. The airline was looking for a specific product and Airbus seemed to be the right choice according to the parameters set forth by the tender. As much as EADS might be making a lot of noise on this, I do believe they are justified in getting an explanation from the interested parties. I do also believe that politics had a lot to do with this order (As with anyother business deal no matter the sector). There is something to learn from all failures and I am sure that Boeing would have wanted to know why they had lost out to Airbus if the roles had been reversed.

Just a quick question! If these fuel management problems have been a reoccuring problem for the A346, why is it that Airbus hasn’t changed suppliers for this particular piece of equipment? Or does Airbus manufacture this system in house?