New Australian Government Wants to Consider F-22 fighters

Aviation Week and Space Technology ^ | Dec 2, 2007 | Bradley Perrett

[Secret Agent Man]

It seems the F-35 would give them a lot more flexibility for their money.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Not Australia’s decision to make.

No.

[EternalVigilance]

No.

Absolutely agree.

[steel_resolve]

yes. Agree. NO MEANS NO.

[jonathan-swift2000]

Why would the US think about sending F22’s to Austrailia if the new PM is going to pull out his troops?

[Secret Agent Man]

You know what guys? I just said the F-35 appears to be a better choice over the F-22.

I know they are pulling out their troops.

I know it’s not their decision if they get ANY of them.

Sheeeesh. Don’t read any more into what someone writes.

[Stonewall Jackson]

This could be interesting. I think Australia would be better off if they went with the F-35 due to its lower production cost and its well-roundedness as both a fighter and a ground-attack aircraft.

Plus, if it was required, they could base F-35B's (the VTOL version) off the two new amphibious assault ships that will be joining the Australian fleet soon.

Having the same aircraft stationed on land as they do at sea would help cut down on the replacement parts and mechanic training that they would be required if they had F-35's at sea and F-22's on land.

[ASOC]

The current F/A 18 purchase was to replace F111 maritime recon aircraft.

They could take a page from Singapore and buy upgraded Scooters. 404 engine, Lear avionics, GPS nav system. Failing that, a moded out 737 would do nicely as well.

[Centurion2000]

Let's see ... bail out on us regarding Iraq .... then ask for our best equipment.

I'm thinking a big fat NO is appropriate here.

[Atchafalaya]

No. Allies yes, first tier world movers, same for Japan, not. Hurts, but there it is.

[Mr. Silverback]

1. If we gave Japan the F-15 and Australia the F/A-18, we can give them the F-22.

2. I hope they succeed. If the production line is open, that might give us a window to buy more for the USAF.

3. If they stick to the F-35 they will still rule the sky.

[Wiz]

The pro-China ear wax eating new PM will be happy to sell top secrets of F-22 Raptor to his Chicom friends. The answer is flat zero.

[ME-262]

While we’re giving away technology, can we give the V-22 Osprey program away and be done with that pinnacle of aircraft design stupidity and proved death trap?

[Wiz]

Goto DefenseTech to read the comments of Osprey related articles, and see what happened to Christian, the administrator.

[taildragger]

I can’t wait to see the emissions report from the emissions lab in Ann Arbor on the F-22 since they are going full bore with Kyoto.../Sarcasm off..

[A.A. Cunningham]

(the VTOL version)

(the STOVL version)

[A.A. Cunningham]

You suffer from cranial rectumitis.

[The Great RJ]

Having just signed the Kyoto Accords, how can the Aussis fly these as they dump tons of CO2 into the stratosphere? (sarcasm)