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McDonnell Douglas rolled out the prototype F/A-18E Super Hornet on September 18, on schedule and within budget, and 450kg (1000lb) under its specification weight. The Super Hornet, as it is now officially named, is about 25% larger than the F/A-18A/C. It is powered by 22,000lb (97kN) General Electric F414 turbofans, has two additional underwing hardpoints, some stealth features and an advanced electronic warfare suite. Its avionics are based on those in the F/A-18C. The US Navy intends to acquire 1000 Super Hornets between 1997 and 2015 at a 1990 unit cost of approx $US36m. In comparison Lockheed Martin is currently offering the USAF new build F-16Cs for a unit price of $US20m, while McDonnell Douglas is offering the F-15E for a unit price of $US50m. It is interesting to note that the first two aircraft are between a third and a quarter of the cost of competing Rafale, Eurofighter and FS-X fighters. (MDC)
Newsdesk — Military Aviation
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Omads For Indonesia?
Indonesia has reportedly shown interest in acquiring some or all of the 24 GAF Nomads recently grounded by the Australian Defence Force. The Philippines has also shown interest in obtaining some of the aircraft, although in both cases no formal approaches have yet been made. Both countries are existing users of the Nomad and if the aircraft go to one or both of them it is likely they will be given away as aid rather than sold.
French Defence Cuts Dig
The French Government has announced significant spending cuts to its defence budget, pushing back deliveries of the Rafale, Tiger and NH 90. Plans to reduce defence spending over a five year period sees FF8bn ($A2.1bn) cut from 1996 procurement spending, with the effect that deliveries of the Rafale, Tiger and NH 90 will be pushed back further into the next century, while completion of the nuclear powered carrier Charles de Gaulle will be delayed by another 12 months. The carrier will not now become operational until the second half of 1999, thus delaying the need for first deliveries of the Rafale M until then. Deliveries of Rafale to the Armee de l’Air are not expected until after the turn of the century, while the exact delays to the Tiger and NH 90 helicopters won’t be known until the French hold discussions with their programme partners. The budget cuts do not affect plans to upgrade 23 Mirage 2000s to Mirage 2000-5 RDY standard or participation in the FLA programme.
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