I’d recommend you the read the topic in question before inflitrating into the debate. We are talking about modernized Harrier alternative to F-35B which pfcem claims as having been in existence (even several programs, he claims) and rejected in favor of the F-35B. To make it short and simple for you, I am looking for a Harrier upgrade that goes beyond AV-8B+, Sea Harrier FA2 or Harrier GR9. Your McDD Model 279 might be interesting for someone but in this particular case it is as off-topic as it gets.

There’s a little information at Navy Matters:

http://navy-matters.beedall.com/jca1-1.htm

It seems that a development of the Harrier was quickly ruled out for JCA. While a development (Harrier III or Sea Harrier FA.3?) of the existing Boeing/BAE Harrier II+ would be relatively cheap, it would not be supersonic and there’s not much potential improvement left in the original 40-year old Harrier design. A radically re-worked supersonic “Super Harrier” concept was considered back in the 1980’s but no work has been done since as studies indicated the development costs wouldn’t be much less than would be spent developing a far more capable all-new fighter, such as the JSF.

Spudman

If i am not mistaken, quite recently someone at ARES (?) (Bill Sweetman?!) asked directly to LM what was the status of that particular development (six internal AIM-120), the official answer was that, right now, they were happy with the four BVRAAM arrangement and the “six pack” wasnt being pursued.
(I´ve might got it all wrong though, if someone out there can direct me to the original article i would be grateful)

Cheers

I also remember reading that, although I’m pretty sure it was a cut and paste on here.

“Pocket” Cruiser

ha ha.

To be honest the role is really more important than the size.

I would say that the F-35 isnt needed by the UK. The only nations that really need it are Spain and Italy. Ultimately every one else could do without.

What replaces it for the RN then?

I thought that two had been bought by the other members, & one provided by the USA.

Dammit man, stop being right:mad:

Dumping the A400M would be a huge mistake!

First because of the plane itself which has a huge potentail market for military and perhaps also for civil goods transport

Second because of its unique engine which may have considerable value on its own placed on civil airplanes

Third because of its technology or do we want to continue to increase the dependence on the US for anything slightly technologically advanced? Me personally, I think that ditching the UK knowledge on VTOL is more than sufficient.

And last but not least, because of all the employment it will bring

But i guess that dumping it is just a treath towards the governments to put some pressure.

Oh, something else, I don’t understand why EU citizens continue to support the C-17 . Not only are there reports suggesting that this thing is a piece of sh’t (not even able to compete with ancient galaxys) but also because of the way in which the US tanker deal got cancelled (for the simple fact that boeing lost against an EU plane)

The only Europeans airforce that use it are the RAF; who by all accounts are delighted with it, are increasing their fleet to 7 and would almost certainly like more. Other than that the only other Europeans that are currently users are the NATO heavy airlift wing with 3 on loan from the US.

That’s an assumption that is yet to be seen. The place to watch would be the LHA-6 class because they will be the first designed from the keel up to operate F-35s. Also the Wasp class to see if they have to be modifed. It’s FAR from a “done deal” as Sprey and others would have us believe.

First US ship, the Italian Cavour and the British CVF have the lead on LHA-6.

Amazing how whenever an article appears such as this one, that the same usual “crowd” simply replies… these guys are idiots or just as bad as “kopp” etc….

HOW ABOUT YOU ACTUALLY TELL EVERYONE where you disagree AND WHY!
If you have NO CLUE ON HOW TO DEBATE SOMETHING, THEN DONT POST.

Stop acting in the usual predictable fashion on here, its beginning to bore everyone
Other members have been able to answer the post in manner which shows they are able to think for themselves, not cry like little kids because someone is critical of their “favourite” plane…

Get a grip…. and if you dont understand the fact that when OUR governments spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, (OUR MONEY!!!!), then it is EVERYONES RIGHT TO MAKE SURE THEY SPEAK UP AND SAY WE WANT THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, not bow down to politics, stock holders, big business and the banks.

In the end you dont want our service men/woman having a billion dollar lemon which ends up getting them killed cause some PR department convinced us to buy it.

Most of the posts in this thread have actually done this.