BAE Chief & Eurofighter
The Austrians - tee hee - are currently trying to replace their Saab Drakens, the last ones flying in the world, and are having a little political war about it. Interestingly their air force seems convinced that the Eurofighter is technically the best out of the EFA, F16, and Gripen. The finance ministry's view is different! And a lot of politicians seem to believe that it would be possible to have their airspace defended by some other country - whilst keeping their neutrality! - in return for money
They'll have to do something, though, 'cos they can't get parts for the Drakens, which are suffering from structural corrosion, hydraulics problems, and - just to keep morale high - failing ejection seats!
They'll have to do something, though, 'cos they can't get parts for the Drakens, which are suffering from structural corrosion, hydraulics problems, and - just to keep morale high - failing ejection seats!
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Over there, behind that tree.
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Jackinicko said . . .
"In their time, Hawk and Tornado weren't too bad either, and nor were Canberra, Lightning, Harrier, etc."
I don't think you should group the Canberra or Lightning with BWoS - if indeed that was your meaning. These two were English Electric aircraft, designed and built in the days when the UK had a dynamic aircraft industry, an industry that produced such kites as the Hunter, Vulcan, Victor, Buccaneer, Comet, and yes, the TSR.2!
I hold nothing for or against the Typhoon but it does seem to be turning out to be an answer to a long forgotten need. The way things seem to be going with the project it'll come into squadron service just in time for the last dozen or so blokes left in the RAF to be able to polish it once or twice before it gets too expensive to even taxi down the runway.
"In their time, Hawk and Tornado weren't too bad either, and nor were Canberra, Lightning, Harrier, etc."
I don't think you should group the Canberra or Lightning with BWoS - if indeed that was your meaning. These two were English Electric aircraft, designed and built in the days when the UK had a dynamic aircraft industry, an industry that produced such kites as the Hunter, Vulcan, Victor, Buccaneer, Comet, and yes, the TSR.2!
I hold nothing for or against the Typhoon but it does seem to be turning out to be an answer to a long forgotten need. The way things seem to be going with the project it'll come into squadron service just in time for the last dozen or so blokes left in the RAF to be able to polish it once or twice before it gets too expensive to even taxi down the runway.
