Erm, isn't the point of these things to help overwhelm defences by, amongst other things, numbers of more disposable assets? Like for example four f-35 with a small constellation of wingmen? Certainly more than a couple unless I've totally missed the point.
More than a couple ... but would you need more than a few dozen?
But they go hand in hand. If we build to few then the economics will dictate a heavy reliance on imported parts and systems however if we build a larger amount then it will dictate a greater level of Australian content. If we want heavy Australian content but order minimal numbers then prices will be higher. It in the end comes down to a careful balancing act, order enough to fill ADF needs but not so much that it strains their support systems while not ordering too few so that it doesn't effectively just become assembly of CKD's (complete knock down).
Yes, certainly more than a couple of dozen for the RAAF, though not all at once.
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Yes, I reported the Chief Defence Scientist's speech to the press club some weeks ago, in which the collaboration of DSTO was mentioned.You might find that the Defence Science Technolgy Organisation is heavily involved in the Loyal Wingman project,
it may have changed now but I recall that Boeing was set up inside the D.S.T.O complex in Fishermans bend at the time of the WedgetailAustralian-designed Unmanned Aircraft to be Developed
The Australian Government will partner with Boeing to advance an initial concept for an Australian-designed and developed unmanned aircraft system.
australianaviation.com.au
That demand that Boeing was talking about might be somewhat deferred at this stage. The financial impact of CV19 on airline demand worldwide is massive.Its Fishermansbend plant is as this article suggests the only one in the world to have the unique resin infusion system in the world certainly at D.S.T.O types of resin developments were designed to keep the F111 flying longer were displayed which was longer than the U.S.A.F could back then
Boeing wants to double in size, and Australia is central to its plan
Boeing, the $200 billion aircraft maker, is using advanced manufacturing techniques at its plant in Melbourne to boost exports of products for the civil aviation market and possibly for military customers.www.afr.com
agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br
I would agree. I think that the costs mentioned are only part of the deal. The flyaway cost cited in 2014 was US$69 million.
We already do have an alternative aircraft - the Super Hornet, which has been in RAAF service for 13 years now featuring advanced capabilities such as AESA radar, LO technology and EW capabilities that SAAB are struggling to match, let alone exceed even in their ‘next generation’ variant...
Not quite 13 years. The first flight of a Super Hornet for the RAAF occurred in July 2009 in the US. The arrival of the first set of RAAF SHornets in Australia proper happened several months later in early 2010. Australia signed the contract ordering the SHornets in 2007, which would be 13 years ago, but the aircraft were not built & completed until about two years later.
The SHornets and Classic Hornets are two very different birds. They look quite similar and have certain parts similarities as well as handling, which eased transition training, but they remain two different aircraft. Some examples of the different is that the SHornet is longer, has a greater wing area and wingspan and has both a greater empty and MTOW weight than a Classic Hornet.
You are correct of course. It's the design work being done in Brisbane. My apologies, and the second reminder to me inside a week not to post at 4am when my brain is only half working (out of a not particularly high level to begin with)
No argument that they are two different birds, from the same nest though, just like so many of the Mirage jets from France were as well but kept the same moniker