Maybe it might keep the GAF markings forever… 😉 :diablo:

Unlikely, the lucky GAF will recieve the T2 models. Of the 15 EFs destined for the Austrian AF, the first 9 are built as T1 so I assume this is also a T1 model.

Any reason why the thread about HAF A-7s was closed?

🙂
The current gov is actually socialist and conservative.

First, they wanted 30 fighters, 24 single and 6 twin seaters to have the option to participate in international ops.
Then the twinsticks were deleted. But 24 was still enough for air policing. It was said to be the absolut minimum.
Then there was a flood a few years ago. The gov. of that time decided to reduce the number to 18 so the victims could be helped. The funny part here is that the first payment for the EFs was still some years away. :rolleyes:
Then, last year, a new gov. came to power with a socialist cancellor. They promised to the voters to cancel the EF deal at any cost. :rolleyes:
You have to know that the majority of the people doesnt want the EFs so it was easy for the socialists to gain voters.
Now, the very smart “defence” minister reduced the number again down to 15. He couldnt get out of the evil contract made by the prev. evil gov. and evil Eurofighter GmbH. This is enough for office hours operations with the option of around the clock ops a few days a year or so. :rolleyes:

But he can say to the voters now: look how smart I am, I saved you x millions the previous evil government wanted to spend for unnecessary fighters. :rolleyes:

So the Austrian AF is stuck with old T1 fighters, some of them even used. In a few years, Austria will be the only operator of T1 models. I wonder whos going to save on maintenance then…
Plus, the EFs will appearantly be stripped of equipment not required for air policing duties. So they will be nothing more than supersonic sports planes. :rolleyes:
Training will have to be outsourced too because 15 EFs just isnt enough. In the long run, this will probably cost the taxpayer more money and a replacement is needed sooner. But politicians dont think that way. 😡

It was the first time a Rafale took off from the carrier at 22,500kg.

Lets see:
empty 10300kg
fuel internal 4700kg
fuel external 5200kg
micas 225

Rest is roughly two tons for refueling pod, tanks, pylons, pilot and stuff. Seems like one ton is missing.

That’s why:
Also, remember that F 14 had a chin+mounted pod from the f 14 A version.
Disagree. The SuperHorror is a potent dogfighter –have you see some recent demos? It is the supersonic dash, neeeded for a Navy interceptor that is problematic; in fact not even this, rather the acceleration–it takes way too long to reach, let’s say 1.6 M. 🙂 One can always dream…

What a brilliant solution. Arent you supposed to drop fuel tanks when entering air combat? Now, when flying A/G mission, a targeting pod will be carried anyway providing an IIR sensor. So, the IRST fuel tank is unnecessary for A/G ops and unsuited for A/A combat. :confused:

If Boeing were clever, they would have provided space for a fuselage mounted system when they had to redesign the Hornet to SH anyway. Relocating a few antennas cant be that difficult.

And theres no reaching M1.6, except if you want to get into a gunfight. 😀
(official SH topspeed clean is M 1.6)

Another question. I most aerial photos of the starboard side of IRIAF Tomcats there is no door covering the refueling probe, even though the probe is fully retracted and stowed. I have never seen this on USN Tomcats, any reason why the Iranians discarded the doors??

The USN removed the probe door on the Tomcat fleet too. It is/was done for maintenance reasons.