In a message dated 12/10/2006 3:15:06 PM Eastern Standard Time,
glenn-wilson-1950@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Message: 4 Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2006 08:29:54 -0800 (PST) From:
Charles Lee Subject: Re: [GZG]
[FT]Multi-abilityfightercostings To: gzg-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <532283.1468.qm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Content-Type:
text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Please look at the cost of the F18 Hornet. It
doesn't carry long range AA Missles of the F14 nor the bomb load of the A6 or
even the survivability of the lesser ohf the two. It can't jam radar without
add on bomb pac loads. The pilots don't win the world contests either as they
are expected to do all jobs with a minimal training and little practice. What
they do well is ..... well fly and die in face of specialized
forces.
My reply:
I would like to see some numbers on when the
F/A-18 has suffered the kind of losses suggested here...
The F/A-18 is
the last choice of the main line USAF/USN fighters introduced from the 1907's
until today in my mind (F16, F15 and then (retired) F14 for me if I don't
consider the F-22 since it still is 'new kid on the block' status.) But
this plane seems to do adequately in real life if not the my personal
favorite. The failure to replace the A6 with a specialised attack
aircraft seems to be driven by economic reasons (training, spare parts, etc.)
pushing doctrine and the F/A-18's ability to deliver the Air to Sea/Mud
payloads gives the USN a chance to see if their theories actually will work in
combat. Assuming the plane is not retired before an adequate 'test'
occurs...
Um, I am not sure where this info comes from. But the F/A-13 Hornet is the
top line aircraft prefered by Navy and Marine pilots in the US and its allies.
There is a reason it was choosen as the aircraft for the famed Blue Angels and
it aint because it lacks power, lacks manueverablity... In combat it
reaches speeds in access of 1100mph and carried a max oridnance load of
1600lbs. All this and able to swap from fighter to bomber back to
fighter in the same mission. Care to tell me another aircraft capable of
this function?
Vince J.
|