an old idea put to new use???
If the Canadians keep their faith in the one engined option and after 'carefull' consideration decide to stay with the F35, because let's be realistic here , it's gonna happen even if the twin engined alternatives are in reality a much better solution, why not go again with a two type fighter force like they (and so many other nations) had before?
A F35 force of let's say 36-48 or so combined with another 36-48 cheaper but almost equally capable light weight fighters might make much more sense economically wise, even if they have to support 2 types iso 1.
F35 for first day war and mainly A2G missions afterwards combined with a more A2A orientated (and only secondary role A2G) F16 or Gripen type of fighter, both of which can be further developped through the V version for the F16 and the NG for the Gripen, might be the only workeable way for air forces like the Canadian ones to get good use out of their F35's.
It would also help with other issues , like the price associated with pilots getting enough quality fast jet time, the F16 and Gripen also come in a 2 seater version which is very valuable for certain training missions and they are top notch enough to fend off almost all threats in their A2A role with (AESA radars, Link16, METEOR for NG gripen, etc... ).
It worked fairly well before and with the price associated with the F35 , certainly operating costs, it might be the best way to keep a credible and (barely) affordable fleet.
This whole idea was vented a couple of years ago by a Dutch retired ex F16 pilot/general and it seemed very logical to me, so again, why not?
Last edited by kbrockman; 10th Dec 2012 at 09:33.