In comments elsewhere, Op-For’s BullNav points out the intentions of nos amis les Russes to export 250 Su-30 Flankers to the regime of Ol’ Beady Eyes. Much may they profit a regime that exports oil but is forced to ration gasoline, and one that is taking significant heat at home for sending money abroad to support terrorists while neglecting the needs of its own citizenry. Well, apart from hazing folks for their hem length, that is.
Anyone else feeling a chill in the air? If it’s to be another arms race – by proxy this time – it’s worth a reminder to all that want in that it might be a mistake to bet against the champ.
Anyway, the Flanker’s a good jet, but as Desert Storm MiG-29 killer Sly McGill told my TOPGUN class, a pig wearing a Rolex is still a pig.
Meanwhile the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Marshall took a little trip out to Kitty Hawk when she was in the ‘hood, for to get a close-look at the SuperHornets Oz has chosen to freshen up the line.
Why?
Geoffrey David Shepherd, Royal Australian Air Force Air Marshal, and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Poulter, attached to the ‚ÄúDiamondbacks‚Äù of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, watch flight operations while waiting to board an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk’s (CV 63). Australia recently purchased 24 similar Super Hornets. Kitty Hawk is nearly two months into her summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. The ship recently finished a port visit to Sydney and is operating in the Coral Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge .
Probably because, deep in their hearts?
Friends don’t let friends drive Tomcats.
Hmm, if gas is being rationed and is in short supply, how long will the Iranians be able to fly the gas hogs? Seems there would have to be a lot of flying to have competent pilots, let alone lots of practice to do anything more than fly well, too.
Maybe they’ll be grounded for lack of gas shortly. It would be an expensive tool sitting on the tarmack useless then.
They’ll make a pretty target all lined up along the runway.
I suppose after the F-111F’s, they’ve figured out they don’t want to deal with any more swing-wings.
SGT Jeff, a friend of mine who worked in the Oz defense industry said that the RAAF loved the F-111s.
Cold War? Maybe, but people either forgot or missed the fact Saudi Arabia was spending the money to upgrade defense anyway. Al the US did was make a competitive bid to what France was looking to sell.
More here:
You know, at those prices … I’m starting to wonder about our procurement practices. All other things being (relatively) equal, are 250 Su-30s worth 3 F-22s? Because the pricetag looks about the same.
And while our guys, with the training, may well be able to take 250 Iranian Su-30s in 3 F-22s, is it a good idea to put ourselves in the position of having to?
As a former intel weenie, this jet with its acoutrements in the hand of a “capable” operator always gave me a lot to think about. By capable I don’t mean someone equivalent to our Top Gun instructors or even a 2 cruise guy. I mean someone that is aware of the capabilities of the jet, it’s weapons and EW suite. And can do a little inventive thinking on the tactics. For better or worse, we’ve been operating in Iran’s front yard for the better part of 20 years. They’re not stupid, they watch and learn.
The threat also depends on what the Russians sell them and the training provided. A Ferrari driven like a Yugo is only a Yugo.
Bottom line, if they get the long burn Alamo and the ASuW toys, along with the radar and the little “flower” pod, it will make life interesting for the CSGs in the area. Almost worth coming out of retirement for some strike planning evolutions.
Claudio
PS when briefing this bird and it’s capabilities in the far east AOR, the nuggets would always be boastful and able to “kick it’s a$$” while the superJOs and elders in the squadron would just go ..HMMMmmm, and get me one on one after the brief to dwell further.
Do we really have to sell a billion gillion dollars worth of arms to the saudi gov’t? What would happen if we decided not to?
“The threat also depends on what the Russians sell them and the training provided.”
Aren’t our weapons and training superior? Wouldn’t we turn the screws to the Saudis if we DIDN’T SELL THEM WEAPONS AND DIDN’T SIDE WITH THEIR EXTREMIST POINT OF VIEW?
Do you REALLY think the Russians could arm and protect them in the same way the U.S. has done?
I suppose all the money Boeing sent south of the equator worked well too……………
Speaking of Boeing successes lets look at the Wedgetail……oh maybe better not.
And either way didn’t we already figure out the Aussies won’t let you fly their hornets?
Lex is thinking “instructor duty down under… Hmmmmm…” We just assumed SNA was on liberty – Lex’s resume turned up in the strangest places after the ship pulled out.
I hear claws skidding across Pinch’s floor headed for the computer. Me-ouch! Nice shot, btw.
Quantity has a quality all its own.
Sir-
Concerning the last line in your post. Honestly, between you and CDR Pinch I just don’t know. Airdales are airdales are airdales. Hey!! Look!! Isn’t that a Shoe that is the future Joint Chiefs Chairman. Oh…sorry Sir.
What Gray said.
Roll up still works, in anti-ship missiles, swarm boats, RPG volley fire and suicide bombers.
The bad guys don’t have to be great. They don’t even have to be good. They just have to be more–at that time and place.
Don’t lets get cocky
Ohh, CAF got himself a ride, nice one.
Funny it was the Diamondbacks, they were tagged to come down for the air show this year too (and quite a snazzy paint job they had).
Skip-
Yeah, the wedgies are running nice and late, oh well, compared to some of our other programs it’s not too bad… look at Sea Sprite!
DMO are hopeless.
That said it should be remembered the Super Bug is the BACC to cover for the NACC, or if you like Bridging Air Combat Capability (F/A-18F) to plug the gap till the New Air Combat Capability (F-35) is actually working. And hey, what’s an extra six billion.
SGT Jeff-
Are there any swing wing fighters left? Oh, and Bryon is correct, the Pig is much loved, not least by the public. Every plane should be able to dump and burn for the PR value alone.
Just ask the Air Force what they think of how the Indians fly their SU-30MKs… A pig driving a Flanker is still a pig, but fighter pilot flying a Flanker can spell deep trouble for the unwary opponent.
What Zane said. If you google “Cope India” you’ll find a LOT of speculation and little actual information about the outcome of the exercises, since the USAF has classified the report(s).
But I’m sure you know all about that sort of stuff, Lex, what with still being on active duty, professional interest, and all that. I would expect there would be “lessons-learned” sharing in the fighter community, regardless of which shade of blue uniform is worn.
re -”Friends don’t let friends drive Tomcats.”
You Dino! The Turkey has been gone since April 06 and was buried in Sep 06! Get over it!
You must update that Hornet Hubris line to:
“Friends don’t let friends drive legacy, FOD mini-Hornettes of the F-18A-D variety!”
b2
Start yer own blog, b2 – A6sFOREVER.com, or INEVERDIDLIKEDEMHORTNETS.net, or summat.
My readers, they have expectations I hate to disappoint
And as you astutely noted not too long ago, some of us have high expectations, and some of us, not so much.
Buck, the ROE prevented the USAF from using their most powerful tool, so it was sort of one hand tied behind their back. But the key was that the Indians didn’t use any of their platforms in the way we’ve been trained to expect their employment, completely hosing up the mental picture the USAF drivers came into the exercise with. They didn’t use any of our overpriced products, either, except what technology filtered through third-hand from Israel. I don’t think there’s been a COPE INDIA since. Figgers. The Indians are our natural allies, an English-speaking democracy besieged by lunatic Muslims on one side and a billion Chinese on the other, and yet we’re always at loggerheads with them.
Are you kidding Lex? It’s more fun needling you bro!
b2