Posted on 02/26/2010 7:55:56 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The arrival of a giant US aircraft carrier here Friday with F/A-18 jet fighters aboard is a step in Washington's offensive to win a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply Brazil's air force with modern jet fighters.
US Rear Admiral Ted Branch told reporters that the visit of the USS Carl Vinson is aimed at improving ties with the Brazilian navy following mercy operations in quake-stricken Haiti, and work with Brazilian personnel from the UN peacekeeping force in that country.
However, the presence of the nuclear powered craft and the Super Hornet fighters on its deck, along with Boeing representatives on land, are a clear sign of a US push to convince Brazil to buy the US-made planes.
Brazil's air force is seeking to buy 36 new jet fighters, and will choose between three finalists: France's Rafale, a fighter made by Dassault; the Gripen NG jet from Sweden's Saab; and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from US group Boeing.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is seen as only having an outside chance against the French and Swedish planes because of past US refusal to allow Brazil to export aircraft using US technology.
Branch refused to compare the three fighters, but he did tell reporters that the F/A-18 was a "multi-role, combat proven, mainline combat fighter" that was a "very capable platform."
At port and standing a mere 500 meters (yards) from the gigantic Carl Vinson was Boeing representative Michel Coggins, who told reporters that next week's visit by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will show that "a partnership with the US makes a lot of sense for Brazil."
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Ping.
Its a fantastic idea to have a nuclear Nimitz carrier to show off your product.
It’s a heck of a sales pitch. Not one that the French or the Swedes will be duplicating any time soon. :-)
The Rafale and the Gripen are good planes... but hey, so is the F-18. Good luck Boeing.
Whoever thought of having Hornets on the deck of a aircraft carrier should be given a raise.
ping
Yes Senor, the Hornet is very nice. By the way, how many Embraer KC-390s is the USAF interested in buying?
Click on pic for past Navair pings.
Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist.
The only requirement for inclusion in the Navair Pinglist is an interest in Naval Aviation.
This is a medium to low volume pinglist.
The F/A-18E/F is way too much fighter for that neck of the woods, and the Rafale means you have to deal with France for maintenance spares, where they've stuck it to Mirage operators in the past.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.