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Quote:

Originally Posted by belka (Post 7052549)

Our current 18's already had their life extensions through center barrel replacements, and those C/D model US Navy Hornets aren't in the best of shape either. I don't think there are too many aircraft carriers that still utilize the C/D model, nevermind the A/B. It's time to move on, there is no point spending all that money maintaining, operating and upgrading our current fighter fleet with new electronics when you can get the F-35. It has systems that the F-18 will never be adapted to carry. It's like replacing the engine, wiring, etc every 5 years into the same body of a car, eventually the body will rust away and fall apart around all that new stuff.

I totally agree with you. But doing some move like that wouldnt be the first time the Canadian gov't would pull some move like that. I really hope the end costs for the F35 go down and 10 years from now we buy an extra 20-30 to boost our numbers. 65 total jets to protect the skys of this nation seems so little. Specially when some will be trainers, some will be lost due to accidents or action, and simply wearing out over time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRX SiR (Post 7054443)

You have to remember that we don't need jets flying around all the time up north, let NORAD identify and track the targets. Also, the government isn't getting these things to fly airshows and tool around the empty northern airspace, they bought them for overseas ops.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1660646/

Quote:

Although the F-35’s ability to defend Canadian airspace was surely taken into account, that is not what makes this plane especially attractive to the government and the air force. The value of the F-35 is that it will permit Canada to take part in multinational air operations overseas for decades to come. Put simply, in buying these aircraft, the government will ensure that Canada can play a visible role in future allied air campaigns across the world.

Once we receive our initial 65, that number will probably be reevaluated. But you have to remember that even with our current fighters, we are far below our optimal manning strength for pilots and ground crew. I doubt these will come as trainers since they are single-seat only. All the crew, flight and ground, will be done at Eglin AFB in Florida.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/20...e_jsf_062010w/

I'm getting my base tan ready. :D