Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
I like the Saab but its nearly a 30 year old airframe design, isn't low observable, won't have the computer adaptability or interoperability and environmental awareness of the F-35 and at about $114 million U.S. per copy wouldn't represent a costs savings versus future generation savings enough to be worth looking at.
In 15 years as the Russians, Chinese and other powers develop their next generation fighters the NG would be a poor investment over 40 years of life.
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All of the available planes have their warts.
True that the NG's profile isn't changing much from the C. Searching for current costs, the best I could find is that the Swedes have an order not exceeding overrun at $105 per plane, that Saab would have to match for other delivery. The F35 projections are kind of all over the place but the last that I found was around $138 per plane. A huge part of the appeal and cost of the F35 is the stealth capability, which Canada really doesn't need for any mission it will be asked to perform. You're right, it's not low observable as the other options, but is faster, more maneuverable and has a further range.
Another option is the Super Hornet, which is a dual engine design up from the current CF-18.
I found that it is really hard to find an objective comparison of the planes that are available. Most of the information is coming second hand from the Brazilians, who underwent the selection process recently, and the Australians, who are in the same boat we are. Most sites discussing each plane seem to have a political agenda.
I guess what I naturally rebel against is that the federal government isn't being objective either. It feels like a royal edict that we must purchase the F35.
And Canada holds onto its military equipment several decades too long for everything. I'll be happy if whatever we get is still in the air in 40 years, while China will probably have Brundlefly transporter technology. The best we can do is buy a 5th gen fighter, and hope that the next gen is far enough away.