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

[dapaterson]

It's a different radar. It's substantially more powerful. And believe me, if it was an option, we would have signed on. And probably even accepted a short delay for it.



Damn. We really should buy more before they close the line. We could use another 2-3.

Or buy the MRTT+. Single type for pilots, so...

 

[Furniture]

It's a different radar. It's substantially more powerful. And believe me, if it was an option, we would have signed on. And probably even accepted a short delay for it.

So we are knowingly signing on for inferior aircraft, from a nation that has threatened our sovereignty?

F-35 sounds like a better deal every day...

 

[dapaterson]

So we are knowingly signing on for inferior aircraft, from a nation that has threatened our sovereignty?

F-35 sounds like a better deal every day...

Or possibly our NORAD relationship would let us get on to the mod line for already built aircraft and have it embodied in new aircraft.

 

[ytz]

They haven't sold the -85 to anybody.

 

[Kirkhill]

Now you're thinking.....

CCAs are more autonomous aircraft are supposed to be $40-80M. And they are supposed to be the bulk of the force. They also don't need to be part of the actual program directly. CCAs should be plug and play if they are built using open standards. There's even theories that they wouldn't be controlled by fighter pilots but by ABMs on the AEWC aircraft. We don't need to join any 6th gen consortium to build CCAs. Just look at what the Aussies have accomplished with the homegrown Wedgetail and Ghost Bat:

You're the one that gives us daily updates about how far air defence systems can reach. Believe me, for a target as lucrative as an AH-64, the rear area IS forward. There will be systems that see that far back and systems that will shoot there. Hell, before they get those fielded there will be anti-air drones up carrying out helicopter ambushes.

Start thinking cheap systems in large quantities.

Downward pressure on CCA prices

3D printing of air frames. I suppose that if a printed air frame can withstand hypersonic velocities and conditions then it can survive pretty much any application.

World’s 1st 3D-printed hypersonic platform clears key vibration trials

Hypersonix's DART AE is the world’s first hypersonic vehicle with an entirely 3D-printed airframe produced from high-temperature alloys.

interestingengineering.com