Date Posted: 2007-05-21 21:08:57.
Subject: replacment for f-15
Name: jaws8u122691
Message: Why replace it? The f-15 Eagle has a perfect combat record of 101 victories and zero defeats.
During the Balkan conflict, the f-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions.
The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The f-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.
The f-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
A multimission avionics system sets the f-15 apart from other fighter aircraft. It includes a head-up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, flight instruments, ultrahigh frequency communications, tactical navigation system and instrument landing system. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, 'identification friend or foe' system, electronic countermeasures set and a central digital computer.
The head-up display projects on the windscreen all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.
The f-15's versatile pulse-Doppler radar system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. for close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The f-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.
A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the f-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.
The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7f/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun in the right wing root.
Low-drag, conformal fuel tanks were especially developed for the f-15C and D models. Conformal fuel tanks can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft. Each conformal fuel tank contains about 114 cubic feet of usable space. These tanks reduce the need for in-flight refueling on global missions and increase time in the combat area. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. AIM-7f/M Sparrow missiles, moreover, can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks.
The f-15E is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system.
for low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the f-15E carries a high-resolution APG-70 radar and low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night pods.
The f-15 Eagle is one of the most capable multirole fighters in the world. The f-15 entered service in 1974 and has attained an unprecedented perfect air combat record of 100.5 victories and zero losses. f-15s were responsible for downing 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm, and the f-15 was responsible for downing four Mig-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict. In Desert Storm, the f-15E strike fighter provided devastatingly effective flying at night and in bad weather to attack numerous mobile Scud missile launchers and other high-value military and ground targets. The f-15E also maintained a 95.5 percent average mission capable rate, the highest of any fighter in the war. In the Balkans, the f-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions. The f-15E can carry payloads of up to 23,000 pounds and is the only fighter in U.S. production capable of performing the long-range, precision strike mission.
More than 1,500 f-15s have been produced for both domestic and international customers, and have accumulated more than 4.4 million flight hours. Approximately 1,150 f-15s are still in service worldwide with the U.S. Air force and Air National Guard, and with the air forces of Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Date Posted: 2007-05-18 16:09:59.
Subject: replacment for f-15
Name: jaws8u122691
Message: Why replace it? The f-15 Eagle has a perfect combat record of 101 victories and zero defeats.
During the Balkan conflict, the f-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions.
The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The f-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.
The f-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
A multimission avionics system sets the f-15 apart from other fighter aircraft. It includes a head-up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, flight instruments, ultrahigh frequency communications, tactical navigation system and instrument landing system. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, 'identification friend or foe' system, electronic countermeasures set and a central digital computer.
The head-up display projects on the windscreen all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.
The f-15's versatile pulse-Doppler radar system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. for close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The f-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.
A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the f-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.
The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7f/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun in the right wing root.
Low-drag, conformal fuel tanks were especially developed for the f-15C and D models. Conformal fuel tanks can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft. Each conformal fuel tank contains about 114 cubic feet of usable space. These tanks reduce the need for in-flight refueling on global missions and increase time in the combat area. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. AIM-7f/M Sparrow missiles, moreover, can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks.
The f-15E is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system.
for low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the f-15E carries a high-resolution APG-70 radar and low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night pods.
The f-15 Eagle is one of the most capable multirole fighters in the world. The f-15 entered service in 1974 and has attained an unprecedented perfect air combat record of 100.5 victories and zero losses. f-15s were responsible for downing 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm, and the f-15 was responsible for downing four Mig-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict. In Desert Storm, the f-15E strike fighter provided devastatingly effective flying at night and in bad weather to attack numerous mobile Scud missile launchers and other high-value military and ground targets. The f-15E also maintained a 95.5 percent average mission capable rate, the highest of any fighter in the war. In the Balkans, the f-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions. The f-15E can carry payloads of up to 23,000 pounds and is the only fighter in U.S. production capable of performing the long-range, precision strike mission.
More than 1,500 f-15s have been produced for both domestic and international customers, and have accumulated more than 4.4 million flight hours. Approximately 1,150 f-15s are still in service worldwide with the U.S. Air force and Air National Guard, and with the air forces of Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Date Posted: 2005-08-05 02:47:32.
Subject: Hughes OH-4 Cayuse
Name:
Message: In 1960, the US Department of Defense issued Technical Specification 153 for a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) capable of fulfilling various roles: personnel transport, escort and attack missions, casualty evacuation and observation.

Twelve companies took part in the competition and Hughes submitted the Model 369, nicknamed the 'flying egg' on account of its shape. The Hiller and Bell aircraft were selected as finalists, but the US Army later included the Hughes helicopter as well — which was offered at an exceptionally low price — under the designation OH-6, and five prototypes were ordered in spring 1961. The Bell was subsequently eliminated from the contest and the Hughes 369 was redesignated OH-6A 'Cayuse'. The first of the five prototypes flew on 27 february 1963 and was delivered to fort Rucker air base the following November, to begin trials for the Army.

The Hughes aircraft was very interesting from a structural point of view. for example, the fully-articulated rotor had four blades of constant chord, consisting of an extruded light alloy spar, to which a single sheet of light alloy was bonded to form the profile of the blade. The fuselage had a light alloy, semi-monocoque structure and its remarkable robustness afforded the occupants good protection even in heavy landings. However if the compactness of the fuselage made the Hughes OH-6 light and sturdy, with low drag, it reduced the helicopter's versatility, as its small internal volume was clearly restrictive, despite being perfectly in accordance with Technical Specification 153.

The aircraft had an Allison 250 turbine engine, which was very light and compact, with a maximum power derated from 400 to 282shp, which afforded obvious advantages in terms of service life and safety. The sophisticated avionics included a track indicator, VHf and UHf transceivers and ADf. A wide choice of weapons fits was available.

following trials, the choice of the OH-6A for large-scale production was announced in May 1965 with an initial order for 714, which was later increased to 1300 with an option on another 114. Production reached a maximum of 70 helicopters in the first month. In all 1434 were built, the last of which were delivered in August 1970.

The Cayuse established no fewer than 23 world records in March-April 1966: 2800km closed circuit; 3561km in a straight line; 227.7km/h over a 2000km closed circuit and 8601m altitude in horizontal flight. It won other records in the various classes for helicopters of a variety of weights, including a speed record of over 277km/h.

Apart from the five prototypes built for the US Army, Hughes built four others for its own research purposes, one of which was converted into a civil version designated Model 500, which flew at the beginning of 1967. The subsequent Model 500C variant had a 405shp Allison 250-C20 turbine. One OH-6A was later modified under a research programme for ARPA (the advanced research office of the US Department of Defense) to reduce noise levels and has been nicknamed 'The Quiet One'. It introduced a five-blade main rotor, four-blade anti-torque rotor, exhaust silencer and various noise blanketing devices on the air intakes. The new rotor has 67 per cent of the r.p.m. of the original one, allowing 270kg more payload to be carried at a maximum speed of 278km/h. A second experimental prototype, the OH-6C, with an Allison 250-C20 turbine, reached a speed of 322km/h during a test flight from Edwards Air force Base.

The H-500MC was a military export version of the Hughes 500C, with major improvements including a more powerful main rotor of larger diameter transmission capable of withstanding higher torque values, an all-metal tail rotor and a maximum fuel capacity of 242 liters. The side windows are also different and high skid landing gear can be fitted. The armament is similar to that of the OH-6A.

Hughes OH-6A helicopters have been exported to the Brazilian Air force (9) and Navy (6), and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense force (29). The 500M version has been supplied to the Colombian Air force (4), Italian customs (over 60), the Spanish Navy (6 in the ASW version), Denmark, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico and the Philippines.

A later version, the 500D (500MD military) is distinguished externally from earlier models by a T-tail and five-blade rotor. The powerplant is also different — an Allison 250-C20B delivering an absolute maximum of 411shp and 355shp maximum continuous power. The increase in power and adoption of the new tail unit have led to a general improvement in structural robustness, particularly of the landing gear, the lower part of the cabin and tail boom, plus, of course, the transmission.

Current production includes the 500E, which introduces a lengthened and redesigned cabin among other improvements, and the 530f which introduces an uprated Allison 250-C30 engine for high altitude operations. Military variants of these new versions were introduced in 1984.

One of the most important orders for Hughes helicopters was for 29 of the Model 369HM built under license by Kawasaki and delivered to the Japanese Army in January 1972. The Japanese OH-6J is virtually identical to the American OH-6A, except for its performance and weight, which are conditioned by the 318shp Mitsubishi-Allison 250-C18A powerplant.

In Italy, Breda-Nardi have held the license to build and market Hughes Model 300 and 500 helicopters since 1969. Apart from various commercial orders, Breda-Nardi has supplied the NH-500M to the Italian customs. Its characteristics are the same as those of the American aircraft.
there are some pictures at http://avia.russian.ee/vertigo/mcdonnel-500-r.html

Date Posted: 2012-04-04 23:24:33.
Subject: Meiya Air Headquartered in Sanya & Seaplane
Name: samward
Message: On March 26th, Meiya Air headquartered in Sanya & seaplane delivery and order signing ceremony mainly organized by Sanya Municipal People’s Government and CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, assisted by Meiya Air Co., Ltd. was held in Sanya. Vice Mayor of Sanya Zhou Gaoming participated the ceremony entrusted by Mayor of Sanya Wang Yong. Vice Director of CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration Qin Xisheng, Stationmaster of CAAC Sanya Air Traffic Management Station Lan Jianqiong, Director of CAAC Sanya Safety Oversight Administration An Yingze, Division Chief of GA Department of CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration feng Hongsheng, Director of Sanya Development and Reform Commission Zhang Li, Director of financial Bureau of Sanya Xu Huanzhong, Director of Urban Planning Bureau of Sanya Su Jinming, Director of Sanya Resource Bureau of Land and Environment Cheng Chunman, Director of Transportation Bureau of Sanya Huang Xinghai, Director of Sanya Marine fishery Agency Zhang Huazhong, Director of Sanya Maritime Safety Administration Zhang Xipeng, Director of Sanya Land Reserve Center Ji Duanrong, Chairman of Sanya Urban Investment and Development Co., Ltd. Li Wei, International Sales Vice President of Cessna Aircraft Company Bill Harris, and Commercial Officer of American Consulate General Guangzhou Jay Biggs have participated the ceremony.

General Manager of Meiya Air Deng Jun introduced: Meiya Air is a complete GA operation industry chain integrated with the GA policy and tourism resources in Hainan and Sanya. It will drive the subsidiary project constructions. Meiya Air headquarter is composed with four parts as Sanya International Seaplane Center, Meiya Air Industrial Park, Meiya Air Seaplane Operation and Passenger Center and Meiya Air Headquarter Office Building and Living Area. Meiya Air business takes seaplane and amphibian aircraft as main type, combines with major projects such as air tour, air exhibition, flight carnival, aircraft sales, fBO and flight training etc.

In this two Cessna208 aircrafts delivery ceremony, Vice Mayor Zhou Gaoming on behalf of Sanya Government said: the development of Meiya Air program can greatly improve the tourism environment of Sanya and bring social capital. Meanwhile, it can also enhance the high-standard tourism image of Sanya, and increase employment and tax revenue. It will play a dual role to stimulate both the tourism and GA industry in Sanya and Hainan. It will also transfer the land economy of Sanya to marine economy which has innovative significance.

On that day, Meiya Air continued signing the order of 10 aircrafts with the world’s largest GA aircraft manufacturer Cessna. Until 2015, Meiya Air plans to have a fleet of 20 aircrafts in Sanya.

The vice director of CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration Qin Xisheng concluded: as the first seaplane commercial operation project in China, Meiya Air headquartered in Sanya signifies that Sanya made an important step in the development of GA.

Date Posted: 2012-12-27 03:45:55.
Subject: MiG-21 - still unpleasant surprise at Cope India e
Name: michael82
Message: Draft copy of the exercise Cope India report says:
While the superb performances of IAf Sukhoi-30s were somewhat anticipated, the performance of MiG-21Bison came as a major “unpleasant surprise” to the USAf officials. It also validates the claim of the Russian officials that they are capable of successfully converting “second generation” late-model MiG-21bis fighters to “fourth generation combat platforms”. Inherently the significant positive attributes enjoyed by MiG-21s were their dog fighting ability in WVR (Within Visual Range) combat. Even the earlier models had a low corner velocity of 556 kilometers per hour and at Mach 0.5 had an instantaneous turn rate of 11.1 degrees per second. The MiG-21Bison with more powerful R-25 engines not only considerably bettered this performance but it may also be credited with “jackrabbit” acceleration, a very critical attribute in WVR combat.

Something in-line to:
f="http://www.amazon.com/fighter-Performance-Practice-Unexploited-maneuverability/dp/8660210174/ref" class="usrwhite">http://www.amazon.com/fighter-Performance-Practice-Unexploited-maneuverability/dp/8660210174/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTf8&qid=1356439329&sr=1-1

Among many fourth generations attributes added to the IAf MiG-21Bison design, the incorporation of HMS (Helmet Mounted Sight) and high-off-boresight R-73RDM2 NBVR/WVR (Near Beyond Visual Range/Within Visual Range) AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles) have turned it into a “Great Equalizer” in the WVR combat scenario. Conceptually a small number of MiG-21Bisons maintaining “radar silence” can be guided towards their aerial target by a couple of Sukhoi-30s by secure data links in accordance with MffC (Mixed fighter force Concept). Upon entering into an WVR combat envelope the MiG-21Bisons armed with HMS and deadly NBVR/WVR missiles had the capability of destroying even fifth-generation fighters alike f/A-22 Raptor as assessed by high-profile fighter Analyst Ben Lambeth of RAND Corporation. According to Lambeth “in visual combat everybody dies at the same rate.” f/A-22 also has to slow down if forced into a WVR combat scenario and loses the advantage of its super-cruise attributes. The situation further complicates if the IAf Sukhoi-30s have acquired the capability of providing target illumination for RVV-AE (AA-12 Adder) BVR missiles being launched from IAf MiG-21Bisons at extended ranges.

Date Posted: 2004-08-15 14:17:38.
Subject: Aircraft that should return to the air
Name:
Message: obsolete: 1 no longer in use: an obsolete word. 2 outmoded in design, style, or construction: an obsolete locomotive.

the b36 was superceded by the b47 and by the time it was completely removed from service, the b52. both of these were a generation past the b36--swept wing high subsonic jets with mid-air refueling capabilities. they could also carry the same or more in terms of payload. the b36 was essentially a pre-ww2 design that didn't fly until after the war ended. it was an anachronism.

the sr71 is a great aircraft. however it is 5 times more expensive to operate than the u2. on the other hand it only takes 1/4 the time to fly a mission. its special capabilities are no longer needed however. satellites have taken over the recce mission especially over extremely hostile territory--china, russia, etc. the u2 is also much more mission adaptable. wing pods with extra sensors can be added.

the f4 phantom ii was replaced by the f14 and f15 in the navy and usaf respectively. both of these aircraft are much more capable in every way in comparison to the f4. also of mention is the fact that they were designed to operate much better in the subsonic--especially in a dogfighting scenerio. the f4 after all was not much more than a flying brick at low speed.

the yf23 was deemed not as good as what has become the f22. in that fly off many criteria were looked at.

the c123 was not nearly as capable as the c130. talk to anybody who deals with airlift and they will tell you that anywhere you can put a dc3 down you can put a c130 down. and it can carry so much more than the old c123.

usaf still has some c141 aircraft in its inventory. they have mostly been replaced by the c17. the c17 can carry much more cargo and land it on shorter and rougher strips.

the f20 was a great follow on to the f5. however a few crashes during the showings to many countries all but doomed it. the last nail in the coffin was that usaf didn't buy any. so all the prospect customers decided to buy the f16 instead. the f16 is a much more capable aircraft and can carry a lot more external stores.

the f101 voodoo was a great post-korea interceptor. by vietnam it had been eclipsed by better aircraft like the f4.

the f105 was nothing more than a high speed bomber. it was not designed to tangle with other fighters. as such it was inferior to the f4 in many respects. and by far it was inferior to the f15. it was also lost in greater numbers over vietnam than any other fixed wing aircraft.

Date Posted: 2012-03-03 20:51:20.
Subject: China’s Business Jet Market Explodes
Name: aaachina
Message: The otherwise dormant Chinese business jet market has come to a turning point, triggered by the air control relax reform. This week, Airbus and Boeing have held their press conference, predicting that each of them will sell over 5 business jets to China each year, while Bombardier also showed that over the next 10 years, total sales of business jets in China will reach over 600 units.

According to Li Bing, sales superintendent of Boeing Greater China, government, large corporates, business leaders etc are their main clients. This year Boeing is expected to deliver 3 business jets, mainly to VIP charters such as Hainan Airlines, and Air China. Upto now Boeing has sold 195 business jets worldwide. Although only with 8 Boeing jets, China is among the fastest growing regions.

Comparatively, Airbus’s business jet marketing in China is much quicker. Among its 170 sets of business jets sold worldwide, China owned 20. This year Airbus has already sold 2 jets to China, to be delivered to DeerJet and Southern Airlines. Last year, Airbus sold 15 business jets worldwide, China took 15%.

The largest business jets represented by BBJ (Boeing) and ACJ (Airbus) with dozens of passenger capacity, have a space 4 times that of smaller ones such as Bombardier and Gulfstream. Their flight range is also much longer. However, with the convenience of spareparts and repair service sharing of their mainstream jets, their operation cost is yet lower than those smaller jets, therefore the big business jets of Boeing and Airbus have been securing their position as the topmost business jet suppliers.

In the myriad of business aircraft types, helicopter is also an important member. EuroCopter, world’s largest helicopter manufacturer said, along with the opening of the low sky, demand of helicopters in China will also be released, which is suppressed for too long.

Recent data showed that currently China has no more than 100 private jets, while the U.S. has more than 18000 business aircrafts.

At the moment, the Beijing Capital Airlines, which is a joint venture of Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Tourism, is the largest business jet operator, Its predecessor was the DeerJet. Capital Airlines has 24 business jets, and hence has the largest fleet in Asia Pacific region, accounting for 90% of China’s total fleet. To meet with the market change of wealth redistribution to the Orient, China Airlines, Eastern Airlines and Southern Airlines are also planning for the business aviation.

China Airlines plans to set up a joint venture with the Beijing Municipal Government to operate VIP chartering. A new type of BBJ jet will be purchased. Previously the China Airlines has only 4 Gulfstream jets under management. Eastern Airlines invested RMB 50 million in a business jet charter company in 2008, and plans to increase its fleet to 3 this year. Southern Airlines, until now not yet involved in business aviation, has also planned to procure a ACJ business jet, and will probably found an independent business jet company.

However, air control in China has impeded the business jet chartering. Passengers are unable to drive directly to beside the jet to get aboard, nor can they alter their route at the last moment. In addition, apart from a few cities with business jet terminals, the rest of Chinese cities have no specialized facilities for business charters. These two factors have become the two largest barriers towards successful development of the Chinese business aviation market and industry, therefore, industry insiders predict that it needs time before the market will really take off.

---

Mr Chen Minghua, CEO of AAA (www.helioslab.org)

Date Posted: 2007-04-08 23:44:41.
Subject: US vs RUSSIA
Name: alwayshot
Message: You have a pretty good perspective on the subject. People Will disagree with a lot of this, and these are just my opinions. But they are the result of a lot of reading and experience. And my opinion is that any confrontation would be much like the Cuban Missile Crisis, a good old Mexican Standoff. Both sides are simply too tough.

As far as air power goes, the Russians do have some formidable aircraft. But there is a reason the USA has an unchallenged air force:-->track record. Also to be considered is the fact that American aircraft have been squaring off against comparable Russian aircraft for half a century now, always with discouraging results for the Russian aircraft.

Enough flag waving though. Why would this question even be considered? The air force is just about to become as obsolete as the calvary. Lasers and other ray type weapons are coming out of the woodwork every day. They can be deployed on items like ... satellites for instance. future versions will be able to either focus on a pinpoint precision target, or fan out like an umbrella. And much of this already a reality, deployment is the next phase. Once that happens an aircraft will be one of the least survivable of all military vehicles. Maybe this is why we are suddenly spending so much on the development of a cloaking device? Or maybe trekkies are just bored.

for those that think nukes wouldn't be involved in the initial conflict? If it were to happen, and the first incident were a naval one, there could very easily be an exchange of tactical nukes. There is very little consequence for the use of nukes in a maritime environment.

But one thing you were right on the mark about; the superpowers definitely don't want to be adversaries any more than they already are in today's world. We all already have more issues than we need to deal with. The biggest thing to worry about in this area is the rumored goal of Al Qaeda, which would be to involve China and the western powers in a major war.

As far as bragging rights about Russia and the USA? Both countries have formidable and capable armed forces. Absolutely no one wants to see the proof of a definitive answer to this one.

Date Posted: 2006-08-01 03:17:12.
Subject: The Vulcan
Name: floppyarms
Message: Hi,

I am contacting you in the hope to drum up some support for a desperate
campaign, The owner here at vin de Terre is ex RAf and has many friends who
are working voluntarily towards restoring the Vulcan. The aircraft they have
is extremely close to finishing and is hoped to be flown for the first time
in over 13 years on the 31st August. The Vulcan was primarily used in the
Cold war but wasn't used in anger until the falklands when it took a key
role in securing the UK's advance and defence of the islands. The aircraft
were all decommissioned due to a lack of funding but this dedicated team
have worked on donations of money, time and parts with the ultimate goal of
seeing a piece of the UK's military history back in operational status.

The national lottery have agreed to meet all achieved funds 3 times, the aim
for us is to raise £350,000 in 4 weeks! Our role in this mission is going to
be focused around selling Wine which has been specially labelled for the
cause, and the owner here will donate 100% of the profits to the cause. This
is more a mission about passion and devotion to the efforts and history of
the aircraft and the volunteers, we simply want to try as much as possible
to give them something they deserve so much - to see the aircraft fly...

We have turned the Vin de Terre offices into a 4 week operations center,
this money has to be raised. We have funded and created a website for the
cause - www.savethevulcan.co.uk and we will be selling wine for £10 per
bottle with 100% profit going to the cause. We need to tell everyone,
general public, businesses, enthusiasts, ex servicemen, and anyone you reach
out to, that the cause needs their support. We need this website to be
inundated with orders to help save and preserve a piece of natural heritage.
So many people have worked so hard on this task and we cannot let it fall at
the last hurdle.

We know you reach people who care about this aircraft, and people who
genuinely wish to help, and we hope you can help us put together a rescue
mission.

The wine we are supplying can be personalised with the customers name, in
thanks for their support, at no extra cost!

If you would like to know more, find out more or speak to us about this feel
free to email me here or call me on my number below.

Let me know your thoughts

Hanifa

Date Posted: 2005-10-22 17:59:03.
Subject: Yf-23 or Yf-22
Name:
Message: I would chose the f-23 over the f-22 any day of the week. The f-22 is a fine aircraft but to me looks like an f-15 and an f-18 got together and had a kid. The f-23 is from my reading about it, to me, is far superior in speed and stealth. If the Air force really wanted to have total supremacy of the air in future conflicts they should have gone with a 50/50 buy of both airframes. Meaning, their strengths could complement each other in a fight. f-22 maneuverability and f-23 for its speed and stealth. I'm sure they could have worked out something with the manufacturers, (cost and what not) I don't want to forget to include that GE should have won their competition as well. I think some of their innovations in jet engine technology would have been better. I am an active Air force jet engine mechanic for 15 years now and have worked Tf-34-100A (A-10A), Tf-33-P3 and 103 (B-52H), f-108 or CfM56-2B (KC-135R), f-110-100 (f-16), f-100-100/220/229 (f-15C,D,E), Tf-39 (C-5A,B), and now the lovely f117 on the C-17A. The bottom line to my reply to this thread is this. Stop playing politics and go with the better qualified of the applicants going for the job, (f-23 with GE f-120-100). I would have taken the risk. My opinion of course.