Posted on 06/30/2010 9:31:14 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Political and programmatic upheaval is shifting the ground under U.S. and European combat aircraft builders as they await the outcome of competitions in Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Japan is just one case in point. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Eurofighter are awaiting the release of a request for proposals to buy a new fighter to replace its F-4EJ Phantom.However, domestic political turmoil that led to a change in government, as well as controversy over the U.S. Marine Corps base on Okinawa, has drawn attention elsewhere. As a result, the fighter contest may not begin until next year or possibly later, says Mark Kronenberg, vice president for international business development for Boeing’s defense activity.
Next year could also see the emergence of another South Korean fighter procurement. Boeing executives view this potential program as the best candidate for a full-up F-15 Silent Eagle. The Eurofighter partner nations are also watching Seoul to see if a 40-60-aircraft need arises. If it does, then the Typhoon will enter the fray.
Uncertainty continues to hang over the Brazilian F-X2 competition, where the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Saab Gripen and Dassault Rafale are in the running. Brazil is in the midst of an election campaign, and several industry officials argue that with just a few months to go before the October vote, no action is possible.
But Brazilian industry officials argue that is not a foregone conclusion, and now that the air force’s technical assessment is complete, the defense ministry may yet name a winner ahead of the election.
One senior European industry official believes that the F-X2 selection may not only be delayed but could also be reopened to new bidders once the new government takes office.
(Excerpt) Read more at aviationnow.com ...
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Looks like more of a ground attack plane..
High altitude ground attack plane maybe?
Time for some Wiki.
From Wiki...
“The F-20 Tigershark (initially F-5G) was a privately financed light fighter, designed and built by Northrop”
“The F-20 became competitive with contemporary U.S. fighter designs like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, but was much less expensive to purchase and operate.”
That wasn't the reason. The F-5G/F-20 was always intended to be a FMS (Foreign Military Sales) like the F-5A/E and F-104.
The problem was, as a private venture, the most likely customer was Taiwan, ans both Carter and Reagan blocked that as part of the sucking up to Red China policy.
When it became the US Government F-X export fighter, it could only be sold through the State Department, and as warplane salesmen , they make great (well not anything really).
And there were always State Department approved exceptions to the policy: "the Pakis want F-16s? sure", "Israel wants US money to develop the Lavi? sure". "Turkey want F-16s? sure" "the Greeks asking equal dos? sure"
With State not pushing, indeed actually suberting, sales and the Reagan Administrations on-off policy on whether the F-X program should go ahead at all, Northrop finally pulled the plug.
The reason the F-20 didn't sell. Too much government.
Thanks for the informed insight!
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