So, whilst the Typhoon will become an excellent 4.5 gen fighter, it will never be the striker that we require (That's why the RAF have GR.4, and intend to replace them with JSFs, not Typhoon).
Thats precisely why the Hornet/JSF combo is odd, the UK and Italy are going the JSF /Typhoon option, the S Hornet has its own problems re development - Radar software etc.
The advanced radar developed for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has completed a key testing period with a nagging software problem still unresolved but showing improvement, according to the US Navy. The Raytheon APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar - the first dual-mode sensor in service on a US military fighter - completed its operational test and evaluation phase on 6 December 2006.
Re the Deployment issues, its nice to train, and fight with aircrew who operate the same equipment, allowing people to exchange and learn how best to use the systems, remember the there are more Typhoons on order than Hornets, more countries operate them, over a wider geographical and political area, so the advantage remains with the Typhoon.
As I said its very odd combo even for a couple of leased years!, which I doubt as the following is saying its a sale not lease.
Australia – F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft
WASHINGTON, February 6, 2007 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $3.1 billion.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 24 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft, 48 F414-GE-402 installed engines, 6 F414-GE-402 spare engines, 24 AN/APG-79 Radar Systems, 24 AN/USQ-140 Multifunctional Informational Distribution System Low Volume Terminals, 30 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electric Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets, 145 LAU-127 Guided Missile Launchers and 30 AN/PVS-9 Night Vision Goggles. The proposal will include integration of the AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 12 Joint Mission Planning Systems, and AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoys. Also included are system integration and testing, software development/integration, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance and pilot training, software support, publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $3.1 billion.
Whats to say they will buy them back?, hasn't happened in the UK with those Chinooks... and
AFAIK the US need them.
The individual systems your quoting for the Super Hornet are for the most part equaled or exceeded in the Typhoon, and while your correct in saying the Typhoons AtoG ability is austere at present it won't be by 2010-12, the list of weapons is as you probably know extensive. eg storm shadow/Brimstone/Taurus/Iris-T/
Asraam
/Meteor would compliment the JSF unlike the SH. all should be available in EOC1 and EOC2 in the that 2010-12 time frame,
and do this as a self escorting strike too
I'm unaware of problems with g/alpha issues, are we talking recently with the heavy load??, Even so perhaps the solution with the Typhoon FCS will be a little more err... elegant that the Super Hornets wing stall issue
As for tech transfer the Eurofighter GmbH has offered full transfer, it may be a non issue If the US does the same, as you say we will have to wait and see, But I remain quite sceptical.
and the final quote is from the FMS notice:-
Australia needs these aircraft for coalition operations. The proposed sale of F/A-18E/F aircraft will increase Australia’s tactical aviation capabilities. An increase in capability will be accrued primarily due to the larger number of aircraft and the larger range and endurance of the F/A-18E/F.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
I thought this is why were buying them to change the balance in the region in our favour
BTW did you hear Oz has lost a large contract for the JSF production!!, and the government isn't amused, perhaps trusting in a close ally/friend to do the right thing may not work out, especially if you throw any negotiating leverage away, as they have done in this case.
Cheers