GK121 No I'm still comparing apples with apples, the offsets (or Bribes
) were offered to Austria for 24 airframes (later reduced to 18),l I don't see why a similar sort of deal could not be done for Oz!, it runs into billions!!!, I'm sure the french would bend overbackwards to sell the Rafale.
The capability gap is mainly in the fighter area, something the Typhoon is designed for, and would compliment the JSF far better than the SH, both the UK and Italy will use the Typhoon/JSF.
I was just suggesting that Typhoon or Rafales might fit that gap better and at a similar price (possibly better with offsets\bribes),
BUT you won't know till someone asks!!.
The time and money running a comp seems to be worth it, virtually every other buyer do not rely on other countries evaluations to make decisions.. What makes Oz different???, if you really want to rely on other countries evaluations then who the hell has ordered super hornets?
If the RAAF get a better aircraft that will remain current longer and have more allied flying it, then I'm all for the 'incentives' being offered by all sides in a fair competition, just shocked nobodys been asked!!!
Lazerhound Where has the SH Block 2 been used in combat, I didn't think it had?.
Hmmm... is this the same radar in the Block 2 thats got the 'nagging software problems' that Janes reported or is it another model?, and does it come with operational sovereignty to fix any such problems in Oz, or do we have to purchase upgraded software?.
I was under the impression the SH Block 2 was a different beast to the Oz hornets Ie if its a very high % commonality why are we buying a old design, if its virtually all new design wheres the commonality?, what is it?.
BTW Conformal Tank work is already done in Oz for the Typhoons, see link earlier, no payment required thanks.
To sum up why hasn't anyone asked for prices or requests for information from manufacturers?, things sure have change since 2002 when the last real evaluation was cut short!.
Cheers