With the amount of money the US government is spending on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, is it possible the acquisition program for both the Super Hornet and JSF could be reduced if not soon, later on during the program?

What a HUGE mistake……..

AgreeD! Should they decide to close New London, after the recommendations are reviewed, where would the submarines based there be stationed? As well, with the Virginia-class subs slowly coming into service, where, along the east coast would these assets be stationed? Is there any more room at Norfolk or would they simply focus their submarine force in one location? If so, which would it be?

fully owned by the government.

Thanks! That would expect why politics could have a lot to do with the decision.

Supporting combat operations over Iraq.

Good luck! I wish you safe journeys!

For air-to-air I’d go with the Mirage 2000-5, but for air-to-ground give me the Tornado GR.4 any day.

I think that if the GR.4 ever gets ASRAAM it would be quite capable of defending itself though. (and it at least still has one gun….I wish the Mirage 2000D had at least one cannon left)

I agree with your analysis! The Mirage 2000-5 would be my choice for air superiority while the Tornado GR4 would be my machine of choice when flying a deep strike mission into enemy territory.

🙂
I’m not assuming a problem free development of the 787. Its very probably the 787 will have a few program hiccups.
I am saying that the 787 is the leader and the A350 is a poor match as it stands. Airbus do not have the resources to develop an effective one on one 787 competitor.

I’m also saying that the A380 has a while to go before it recoups money and until it does Airbus cannot commit to another full development program. Mainly due to the agreement of no more start up aid.

And as for my footnote if you want to exchange tit for tat, tell me, which manufacturer recently failed to meet its promised performance targets for its then flagship aircraft? 😉

I just would like you to explain how Airbus doesn’t have the resources needed to develop an effective counter to the 787! If they have the resources to develop an aircraft like the A380, what makes you think they don’t have the resources to push ahead with the A350. Would you be referring to their finacial state or to the capabilities of Airbus’s design department?

How is EK’s order a sure thing? Everyone thought that NW and Korean Air were sure bets for the A350 and yet, both airlines opted to move toward the B787?

As much as this could turn into another endless thread of various opinions as to whom deserves this order more than the other, it is interesting to know that Euronews announced that Airbus would be announcing an important order for 50 jets in the near future. The report didn’t elaborate as to which airline had placed the order or which model it concerned. This report was filed shortly after EADS made its first quarter report to its major shareholders.
Now here’s the big question! Would this be Emirates, Qatar, Etihad or another airline such as Singapore. Time wil tell! Which ever way one wants to look at it, Airbus might have a very good third quarter!