dark light
Airliner World
Combat Aircraft
AeroPlane
Flypast
Airforces
Aviation
Pcpilot
Air

Freehand

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 951 total)
1 2 3 … 62 63 64
  • Author
    Posts
  • March 7, 2018 at 2:07 am in reply to: RAF Fighter Jets: What’s the point? #2158320
    Freehand
    Participant

    Mrmalaya,

    Two cultures separated by a common language…

    March 4, 2018 at 5:13 pm in reply to: RAF Fighter Jets: What’s the point? #2159869
    Freehand
    Participant

    Mrmalaya,

    I firmly believe that if the UK came under direct attack, the local USAF units would not say “Never mind. RAF has this one.” The USAF would participate in any defense attempt because their butts are in just as much of a risk as the RAF and everyone else. I can see a reason to keep the Strike Eagles there, but not so much for the F-15C/Ds. I don’t get me wrong, the F-15 is probably the finest A2A fighter ever fielded anywhere, but its supremacy is not eternal. The EF Typhoon is just as capable if not better.

    March 3, 2018 at 5:27 pm in reply to: RAF Fighter Jets: What’s the point? #2160285
    Freehand
    Participant

    I think you’ll need some type of fast jet to maintain air space sovereignty. Even if it is just to intercept and control an airliner in a 9/11-type scenario. A Super Tucano cannot do that. I’d think you would also want to maintain proficiency in the operation of fast jets. You train for the unexpected just as much as for the expected. I question the need for the USAF to base F-15C/Ds in the UK. Maybe even the F-15E too. Can the RAF not handle the defense of the UK. Such basing arrangements are political mostly and serve to establish a form of deterrent against the Soviets during the Cold War.

    February 23, 2018 at 12:28 am in reply to: Otto Aviation Celera 500L- Potentially Military? #2164516
    Freehand
    Participant

    Queue UFO sightings…

    February 23, 2018 at 12:27 am in reply to: Its 2010, you're India and can choose only up to 2 fighters for its core! #2164545
    Freehand
    Participant

    I’d go with the Su-30MKI and probably the Mirage 2000, if we’re sticking to existing inventory. Looking forward, a light fighter option could be the Tejas or even the Gripen (If the U.S. doesn’t stop it).

    February 21, 2018 at 4:03 pm in reply to: Its the 1980s and your Air Force will choose only 1 or 2 fighters for its core! #2165556
    Freehand
    Participant

    “MiG-31 + F/A-18” Would you want to spend all that money on a one-trick pony? A very nice pony, but it still pretty much does only one thing. I could see it if that was the scope of what you’re charging the air arm to do, but still pricey.

    February 21, 2018 at 1:29 am in reply to: Could the RAF have bought F-22? #2166031
    Freehand
    Participant

    I recall reading that a sqdn of F-22’s would be on a rotational basis thru RAF Lakenheath. Can’t find that article now, but USAFE plans on basing some F-35As there. At some point, the F-15’s, as good as they are, will become unnecessary.

    February 20, 2018 at 7:22 pm in reply to: Could the RAF have bought F-22? #2166480
    Freehand
    Participant

    Isn’t having a squadron of F-22s based in the UK just as good as having them in the RAF?

    February 17, 2018 at 1:06 pm in reply to: Its the 1980s and your Air Force will choose only 1 or 2 fighters for its core! #2168987
    Freehand
    Participant

    There’s a lot of political strings attached to buying American. France and Russia do not seem to have all of those issues.

    February 17, 2018 at 1:02 am in reply to: Its the 1980s and your Air Force will choose only 1 or 2 fighters for its core! #2169232
    Freehand
    Participant

    I’d say the smart money is on the F/A-18A/B for an all-around multirole aircraft. Compact design w/a bubble canopy, carrier tough, twin-engined, BVR-capable, and IFR-capable all work very well to overcome some of the Hornet’s shortcomings. To get more exotic with a dedicated air defense/interceptor design with another type fulfilling the ground attack role, its F-15/Su-27 and F-16/Mirage 2000. Budget plays the biggest role, but so does politics.

    February 16, 2018 at 12:10 am in reply to: Military Aviation News #2170133
    Freehand
    Participant

    …and India would want to manufacture the F-35 in-country. LockMart would also be responsible for supporting all airframes they build too.

    February 13, 2018 at 1:18 am in reply to: USAF not F-35 thread #2173055
    Freehand
    Participant

    Lockheed-Martin could be doing some upgrade work for the UAEAF.

    https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-uaes-f-16-block-60-desert-falcon-fleet-04538/

    February 12, 2018 at 10:21 pm in reply to: Military Aviation News #2173177
    Freehand
    Participant

    That’s amazing that they’re planning on keeping the B-52 flying for close to one hundred years. Imaging operating a Handley Page O/400 now.

    February 11, 2018 at 8:34 pm in reply to: Israeli airforce impersonationating syria? #2173768
    Freehand
    Participant

    Yeah. Close.

    February 11, 2018 at 5:22 pm in reply to: Israeli airforce impersonationating syria? #2173815
    Freehand
    Participant

    Would it not be common knowledge that the SyAAF does not operate the CH-53? I’m not suggesting that every soldier in the field is an expert at aircraft recognition. I wasn’t but I was able to distinguish U.S. and NATO aircraft from the others. Even if the star of David doesn’t give it away, the Hebrew writing on the engine should.

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 951 total)
1 2 3 … 62 63 64