Royal Navy to Buy F18F

[jj_pt]

I've read a few months back in a specialized magazine, that the UK was seeking possible alternatives to the F-35. There was the proposal to have Rafale Ms or possibly a EF2000 navalized version, even if the later would be unlikely, due to the huge changes needed for naval operations.

[robmlufc]

Arrestor hook landings have already been looked at for the Typhoon, afaik it didnt go well, im guessing the structure isnt just upto it. Plus I dont think they would deal well with the salt and corrosion issues associated with carrier use, a lot of areas of the Harrier have been designed with this in mind from the start. They probably have enough thrust to get off the desk with a ramp but recovering could be an issue!

 

There is a rumour going around that Harrier and JSF will be scrapped, and that Super Tucanos will be purchased to replace them... :cry:

[tflash]

JSF wont get cut because it would leave the new carriers without a jet. The order will probably get scaled down so that there is only enough airframes for one carrier, the other carrier been used for helicopters. The Harrier force is already pretty small, they would only need 60 or so airframes to replace the current force, with Typhoon taking over Tonka roles.

 

There is still the possibility to mount a catapult system on one of the carriers, which would allow operation of Super Hornet (or Rafale) instead of JSF.

[159th_Jojo]

The UK will not have Royal Navy , RAF or Army in 5 years, just a big militia with a few helos and a C17. :cry:

 

But at least the bankers can have their BMWs, Yachts and Learjets. Maybe they should be fitted with Aim 9s!!:music_whistling:

[Brit_Radar_Dude]

Fitting a catapult should not be a big deal, we Brits did invent the thing after all.

 

Comparisons with the TSR-2 history are perhaps relevant. The Govt at that time cancelled TSR-2 despite the money invested in it, planned to buy a bunch of F-111's instead, then cancelled that too and we ended up buying F-4 Phantoms.

 

If you follow that logic, then the chances of the F-18 purchase going ahead look slim and we'll likely buy something else...

[IvanK]

"we ended up buying F-4 Phantoms" and then spent Millions putting Speys in them !

[nscode]

Yeah, when F-4s didn't need engines to be put in them.. they needed an airplane put in them :P

[jpm1]

each time i hear about the JSF there are always two things we hear , great plane but still in development . great plane but in the end needs too much money for what it is