The RCAF's Next Generation Fighter (CF-188 Replacement)

[markppcli]

How many of those are serviceable. How many of those are fully operational?
From what I can find on open source is 40ish % of F35s are currently operational. That means they fly and can fulfill a combat mission. Not necessarily all missions.

Thats not really what full mission capability means. I've made the example regarding the targetting pod a few times already - pod breaks on a Gripen its not part of the AC and no effect to the places readiness, where as for the F35 its integral so then the place isnt fully mission capable. Same result but recorded differently.

 

[ArmyRick]

The SAAB A3 drone/CCA at this point is a "concept" and a mock up has been built. How long under this is ready for operational use? years?

 

[GR66]

The SAAB A3 drone/CCA at this point is a "concept" and a mock up has been built. How long under this is ready for operational use? years?

Any CCA that is designed for Canada's specific requirements won't be an off the shelf project. Saab however has proven experience in designing uncrewed aircraft since the early 2000's such as SHARC, FILUR and nEURon as well as proven rotary wing systems like the Skeldar V-200 (which is used by the RCN)

 

[Kirkhill]

M346.

We are buying it for fighter lead in training anyway. Lean in hard on that fleet.

And CCAs. We need lots and lots to complement the F35.

Re the M346

In the CUAS role the Austrians have explicitly integrated the Thales LGR 70mm with the M346.

The LGR is the European equivalent of Hydra APKWS II. And it is cheaper.

It is also an effective air to ground asset.

Increase the buy from 30 to 90.

Add local squadrons at Abbotsford (Vancouver), Red Deer (Calgary-Edmonton), Moose Jaw (Saskatoon- Regina-Winnipeg), Hamilton (Southern Ontario), Mirabel (Montreal-Ottawa) and Halifax (Maritimes). Reserve opportunities for flying hours.

Austria Buys M-346F Light Fighters

The M-346Fs will give Austria a new air combat boost, supplementing the country's long-troubled Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.

www.twz.com

....

Agree on the CCAs. Still a Valkyrie fan.

 

[YZT580]

Re the M346

In the CUAS role the Austrians have explicitly integrated the Thales LGR 70mm with the M346.

The LGR is the European equivalent of Hydra APKWS II. And it is cheaper.

It is also an effective air to ground asset.

Increase the buy from 30 to 90.

Add local squadrons at Abbotsford (Vancouver), Red Deer (Calgary-Edmonton), Moose Jaw (Saskatoon- Regina-Winnipeg), Hamilton (Southern Ontario), Mirabel (Montreal-Ottawa) and Halifax (Maritimes). Reserve opportunities for flying hours.

....

Agree on the CCAs. Still a Valkyrie fan.

Would the M346 work as a patrol/initial contact a/c in the north? I can easily see it in a ground support role but how would it fare against another aircraft? I would argue that Hamilton is not the best choice for Ontario. Why not a) re-activate BN or chose b)use YKF. Although Kitchener is only a short flight from HM it is that much closer to available lesser used airspace and on the fringe only of major flight routes whilst Hamilton has an abundance of traffic at the airport as well as one of the major east-west traffic corridors. Base Borden already belongs to you so you don't have any jurisdictional problems although it certainly could use a layer of asphalt. It is easier to get to for any Toronto area reserve crew with no QEW to contend with and again it is a short flight from clear airspace for training.