Then we have the GR9 replacement issue. Would you use Typhoon for cab-rank CAS?

I would 🙂

I would hate to see the UK throw away it’s V/STOL capability, but if the F-35B is cancelled more RAF Typhoon’s and AAC Apache’s should be brought to replace the Harrier GR9 in RAF service.

I think it would be pretty easy to learn to fly and operate a modern combat jet with all the care free handling systems they put in them nowadays. The hard part will be learning all the tactics and manoeuveres needed to win a fight.

This thread seems relevant – VAAC Harrier – Easiest plane to fly ever? http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=45334

Thanks Coach 🙂 it was about time they fixed it 😀

And would you negociate a state status for each of your “unified” kingdoms to earn more seats in the Congress and Senat or a global one to weight a bit more in the Union ?

How yes! I know the way Britain would negociate: “What do you want sir?” 😀

I don’t understand this post, what are you trying to say?

I think this cutaway shows the data link pod under the right wing.

Just buying Rafales for the FAA would allow the navy to keep its air wing and allow the RAF to concentrate on Typhoons and Tornado GR.4s. I believe this would be better than having a joint JSF force, but thats just me.

Plus, the novelty factor of having Rafales and Typhoons is too much to miss, and perhaps Mr. Chirac could be convinced to buy a squadron or two of typhoons? :diablo: 😀 😀 😀

Sounds about right. No point in buying Rafales for what Typhoons can do. Just the carrier force. Minimal modifications so they take UK spec Storm Shadow instead of Scalp, Asraam instead of IR Mica, other UK weapons integrated.Meteor should be available by then, so no need to integrate AIM-120. So no special “Rafale-only” weapons. That should be enough.

Exactly, only the STOVL Harrier and JSF gave the FAA/RAF joint carrier force any justification. Buying more conventional carrier fighters than you can operate on your carriers doesn’t make any sense unless you’re expecting a very high loss rate.

150x STOVL F-35B JSF makes sense 🙂

150x CV F-35C JSF makes some sense 😉

150x Rafale M would make no sense 😀

I still can’t see any advantage for the UK if it pulls out of the JSF program.

If it did though, I wouldn’t be totally against a Rafale M purchase as long as we get the best price possible and only get enough to equip the two carriers. A buy of 60-90 French built and minimal change Rafale M will be enough for the FAA.

The RAF should stick to land based Typhoon operations.

Steve: Mate interesting refit you have there, especially the Walrus with the EJ200

😀 sorry couldn’t resist, perhaps a more realistic alternative would be a couple of Sea Harrier FA2’s on Skyhooks.