Inbox

F-35 performance specs lowered

Darren says: I’m sure they will sort these issues out, however it is a concern that we are moving the specs.

After all the computer design and simulation we are still discovering issues in flight test that affect performance.

It might make good commercial sense to enter production while still testing but with such a complex aircraft I wonder about the wisdom here.

Does this also mean they will continue to alter the performance to match the aircraft or work to correct it? Will this bring another re-schedule to testing and thus delay IOC? Dane says: People seem to have a lack of understanding as to why we need the F-35.

There is NO alternative 5th Gen fighter aircraft on the market that is available or as far into development/production as the F-35.

The Russian and Chinese equivalents have only just seen their prototypes take to the air.

The X-35 prototype first flew in 2000 and the YF-22 in 1990, so that tells you how far behind the times the Russians and the Chinese are.

All those calling for the F-22 to be purchased, forget it.

The US realised very quickly that it was only an air superiority fighter and nothing more.

It has only started dropping air-to-ground munitions in the last few years as a means of justifying its existence.

The sun has set on its production and LM probably will never reopen it.

Qantas confirms Asia core to future

Ron Agnew says: No Qantas International services at all from Adelaide now! Singapore, Malaysian, New Zealand, Cathay, Virgin Australia and Emirates all fly directly out of Adelaide.

Qantas has failed by trying to force the flying public in South Australia through the East Coast hubs.

I am sure the Qantas Domestic Services will suffer not gain from this decision.

Dave says: Qantas – The Spirit of Sydney.

Andy says: Where is premium economy to Asia? Low frequency and no product consistency across the network simply forces regular business travellers to use the competition.

Come on AA, how can you think this is Qantas taking Asia seriously? Ron Turnbull says: Qantas International is now a joke in Perth as well as Adelaide.

The only international service will be one daily Perth-Singapore service.

How can SQ fly up to four services a day to Perth using a mix of B777 and A330 aircraft and QF one A330 service? Remember Qantas, it’s easier to keep a customer than get a customer back after losing them…

Sea Kings sold for parting out

John N says: This announcement today highlights, to me at least, the Government retired the Sea Kings a couple of years too early.

Here we are January 2013 and still no MRH 90s in service to replace them! Short-sighted and absolutely ridiculous!!! Andy says: What a waste of resources ….

could they not have been converted to operate in a transport role for ADF and secondary SAR let alone firefighting?

Come on AA, how can you think this is Qantas taking Asia seriously?