MAKO69

As I said in an earlier entry, "the RNZAF could up the initial unit number by leasing 2nd hand F-16s in the begining to get the combat wing up and running, then swap out the lend/leased older falcons while the newer ones are being built/delivered." Thats what I was saying. The Italian Airforce did this while waiting for the Tyhpoon. You can't compare apples to oranges a car is nothing like an aircraft let alone a combat aircraft, don't go there because the US air arm as well as many others have proved many types/airframes remain viable for decades, even after the plane should have been retired. They have made the unlogical, logical. P.S. My main ride is an 02 Toyota PU that I purchased in late 01. As of right now I plan on getting 8-10 more years out of it. (I would feel comfortable buying my truck now used as my mechanic offers to buy it every time I'm in for an oil change). My other car is an American made 00. My wife has a 2012 Buick. (We shopped all makes for comparable vehicles. The US made Buick was the best option and it felt great buying American) More Americans buying used cars Avg age of american car 10.8 yrs

Jug I appreciate our vets, many thanks to our past, present, and future Veterans, I myself am prior service. I believe she did a great job as I stated before "Don't get me wrong, but what she did sounds like logistical nightmare. Someone had to do it though. A commendation medal, but a Bronze Star?" thats just stretching it a little. There are plenty other awards or commendations that could have been bestowed upon this NCO, hats off to her, great job. Its not this NCO I'm questioning, but upper echelon. Maybe they should have thought this one out better when there are soldiers in combat still dying, just as heroic? soldiers denied medals

They looked mean just parked on the tarmac. Looks good.

I think that the F-16 is a great option, however I am looking at it from the cost saving in the long run. 2-3 squads of F-16 C/D would be great true the support and spare parts are there. The initial cost of the TA/F-50 is very similar (Factory tech support only 1/4 a world away as to 1/2 a world away), but long term costs would most definitely be less expensive than the full size Falcon. I would suggest a proposal of 12 F-16C 4 F-16D for 75 Squadron a mix of new and lower timed pre-owned airframes. 10 F-50 4 T/A-50 for 2 squadron. 8 T/A-50 for 14 squadron.

Right on dtmdragon Here are some of my thoughts streakeagle, The world is a crazy place and its only getting worse. There are evil people on this "MUD BALL" that want to hurt/destroy, for lack of a better term our "Western" way of life, which gives the US, UK, AU, NZ, and all other similar nations the right to choose what we see fit for ourselves and famlies. For a sovereign nation to rely in part or whole on another country for defense is ludacris and the NZ govt. should be ashamed of the spot they placed NZ in during these turbulent times. NZ's allies are under attack from terrorists it's only a matter of when, not if. It's paramount that a nation (NZ) have a defense force that is capable of a defensive 1st strike to protect it's intrests, resources, and most of all it's people/next generation. Typical politiciains close a blind eye cross their fingers and hope the sh!t does'nt hit the fan on their watch. Its not the big country (China would never do such a thing) threat NZ should not worry about it's the rouge terror threat. NZ is very isolated, I'm sure if somthing was to happen to them the UK and the rest of her colonies would come to help, however not until a lot of damage has been done. The United States are spread way to thin w/the USAF in the process of cost cutting it's force by 1/4 to 1/3. The US forces will come, but it might take longer than what the Kiwi's want to wait.

The TA/FA-50 is not subsonic, the TA-50 is a trainer/light strike, while the F-50 is a fully capable strike fighter platform. You can see the F-16s heritage in these planes.

Another Team Chinook operation

Good proposal. Do you think the RNZAF could up the initial unit number by leasing 2nd hand F-16s in the begining to get the combat wing up and running, then swap out the lend/leased older falcons while the newer ones are being built/delivered. Why not supplement the F-16 Falcons with a trainer that has a strike/defensive capability like the hawk Mk 127 or the TA/FA-50?

You can never get enough 104 skins one of my childhood favs. "Hey Ridley!" "Yeah" "you got any Beemans?" "I might have me a stick" "Well loan me some, I'll pay you back later" "Fair enough" "I think I see a plane over her with my name on it" 'Now your talkin"

The Black Eagles demo team vid I posted. I think a squadron of F-16 and two or three T/FA-50 would be the perfect combination.

Don't get me wrong, but what she did sounds like logistical nightmare. Someone had to do it though. A commendation Medal but a Bronze Star. Here are the criteria for both. The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. Even under these criteria a stretch for both.

Those skyhawks have been out in the elements for a decade now and NZ Airforce officilas have already stated that those planes are unsalvagable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVcKDAS4WY&feature=related

Lower timed Legacy Hornets would be nice, but the F-16 option would be most cost effective and to maintain. A combination of Falcons and T,F/A-50s would be nice too.

Is it me or does that yoke look beat up.

Article

daddyairplanes, At $66.9 million US per plane thats over 800 millin US (981595200NZD) I'm afraid this option as it my be a great platform It's just to costly and the politicians will not like this plan. dtmdragon, I like what your saying The F-16C/D option looks good, however how many units would you propose. What about pre-owned strike fighters, a lot of fighters coming on the market now. Is there a trainer platform that can do both jobs? The RAAF has the Bae Hawk Mk 127 which is used for lead in training for the Hornet, but has a defense and strike capability.

A nice plane at 40 to 60 million US (48 to 72 NZD) per unit cost, can we afford it? Does it have to be a new plane. We would like to get more than 1.

OK peeps, I would like to start this topic. If you were able to lobby the NZ Govt on behalf of the RNZAF what platform would you recomened and what facts, statements, and arguments would you make to back up your choice. A little history if you are not familiar with the RNZAF they have no strike fighter capability. In 2001 the Labour Government removed the RNZAF air combat capability by cancelling the purchase of 28 Block 15 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and disbanding the No 2 and No 75 A-4K KAHU Skyhawk squadrons and the No 14 Aermacchi training squadron. Most of the RNZAF's fighter pilots subsequently left New Zealand to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Air Force. Keep in mind you have to convince the Labour party why they need such an aircraft. I'll play the role of the Defense Minister. Use your imagination. Remember it has to be cost effective, multi role capable, and a proven platform. Now go do your homework.

That was legit I am sure that was done more than once.

C-5s would have been the way to go.

OMG this is so 70s who on CA hasn't seen this? It was cool, and you wonder if it may have been employed ever or was it just a cold war propaganda gimmick.

No for real SF2 Vietnam Rolling Thunder: -VMF(AW)-212 Lancers F-8E Crusader stationed on the U.S.S. Oriskany Linebacker I&II: -VMFA-333 The Shamrocks F-4J Phantom stationed on U.S.S. America both deployments. Trust me, I know Marines deploy squadrons on carriers