Upgrading

By lex, on July 31st, 2007

In comments elsewhere, Op-For’s BullNav points out the intentions of nos amis les Russes to export 250 Su-30 Flankers ** to the regime of Ol’ Beady Eyes. Much may they profit a regime that exports oil but is forced to ration gasoline **, and one that is taking significant heat at home for sending money abroad to support terrorists while neglecting the needs of its own citizenry. Well, apart from hazing folks for their hem length, that is.

Anyone else feeling a chill in the air? If it’s to be another arms race – by proxy * this time – it’s worth a reminder to all that want in that it might be a mistake to bet against the champ.

Anyway, the Flanker’s a good jet, but as Desert Storm MiG-29 killer Sly McGill told my TOPGUN class, a pig wearing a Rolex is still a pig.

Meanwhile the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Marshall took a little trip out to Kitty Hawk when she was in the ‘hood, for to get a close-look at the SuperHornets Oz has chosen to freshen up the line.

Why?

Geoffrey David Shepherd, Royal Australian Air Force Air Marshal, and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Poulter, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, watch flight operations while waiting to board an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk’s (CV 63). Australia recently purchased 24 similar Super Hornets. Kitty Hawk is nearly two months into her summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. The ship recently finished a port visit to Sydney and is operating in the Coral Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge .

Probably because, deep in their hearts?

Friends don’t let friends drive Tomcats.

* 08-13-2018 Links Gone; no replacements found – Ed.

** 08-13-2018 Original link gone; replacement found – Ed.

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