Will Canada’s government genuinely reappraise the requirement for a CF-18 replacement? If Dassault see this exercise as “un jeu perdu d’avance” (= losing is a foregone conclusion), they may choose not to waste time and money bidding. I also wonder if Eurofighter would want to bid if they thought the selection process was going to be like the process in Norway. It sounds like there is a strong preference for a US product ie choice is really between F-35 or Super Hornet.

+ 1

We would go American because it is easier for logistics. Can any of the other birds carry the Amraam, Sparrow, Sidewinder and any of the ground munitions we have stockpiled?

If we buy the Typhoon, would we get dented planes?:D (Just a joke)

I really like the Rafale but not sure about price and offsets.

The original reason why we went in on the F-35 R&D was because it opened up jobs in the Canadian market… Can the others do that for us?

I think Canada will get the F-35 no matter what.

As to the SH and Rafale…. Wasn’t the Rafale the only bird to fly on it’s own in Libya? I think it’s EW suite is supossedly very advanced, where as the SH would need the asisstance of the growler to jam radar

I don’t post much, but do frequent the forums daily. I too think it is getting out of control. Even though they have other forum members names on it, they are all made by one member.

Also, I cringe everytime I see a new post for the AVIC JF-17 thread… How many times can someone get banned and not get the hint? And people keep feeding him… I hate DSI now!

You said it Buitreaux….

Threads like these really bring out the ugly in people…

Fedaykin started this thread with a comedic cartoon and it went downhill from there. Can’t everyone just get along?

Are the MIg-29’s their most modern and potent fighters? I mean the phantoms are very old and F-5/ Saeqeh have limited to no BVR capability. There is the Tomcat’s but do they have the missiles with enough range to make the large radar worth it?

I think the Mirage wins out over the two. Higher weapons load on more stations, greater range and probably better radar.

Looks wise is hard…. They are both beautiful aircraft. Slight bias on the F-20 for me though.

I’m surprised that Iran didn’t try to make a version with a russian engine in it, instead of the twin slanted fins. I really don’t know what advantage the HESA Saeqeh has over the original F-5E.

I have been reading this thread with great interest, and would like to add a few things.

The Americans are trying not to take the lead in all international situations. You can’t expect them to always provide organic naval air power for their allies.

I think Britain needs the carriers even if it only has 6-12 aircraft to begin with. The global situation isn’t getting any better. Mid eastern countries are in uprisings, fuel sources are going to become scarce. As everyone keeps saying, you never know what will happen in the future.

You can’t rely on always having an airfield near by. More countries are uncertain about upsetting other countries by allowing foriegn military power on their soil.

France only has one carrier in service. And it cannot stay on station indefinately.

This is a web site that I have found very informative and laid out.

http://www.worldwideaircraftcarriers.com