SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (rabid stoat AUS) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:06:26 GMT

Yeah, its the F model alright, which I believe is more suited to the attack role, just like the F-111s. We're not replacing the regular fighters after all.

EDIT: I should have said, better because of the second crewman. There are no other differences I'm aware of.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (JBG) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:44:49 GMT

Freedom Eagle, I was not aware that we we buying only 2 seat Super Hornets. Fs as opposed to a mix of Fs and Gs.

Jonathan

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Freedom Eagle) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:36:46 GMT

Thanks pascaly and Milne Bay.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Milne Bay) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:40:09 GMT

You may be able to get one from the Temora Aviation Museum
http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/
Fighter World at Williamtown NSW or the Australian War Museum Shop in Canberra may be able to help.
Regards
MB

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (pascaly) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:11:39 GMT

Freedom Eagle wrote:
Does anyone know where I can get the DVD on the RAAF F-111s?

http://www.f-111.net/movies.htm

Try here. I can't vouch for their quality, but they may be worth a shot. Not sure about the region coding.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Freedom Eagle) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:43:55 GMT

Does anyone know where I can get the DVD on the RAAF F-111s?

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (pascaly) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:42:58 GMT

Freedom Eagle wrote:
I hate to see the Aardvark go as it one of my favorite all time aircraft.

Sorry to drag this further OT, but as many times as I've seen a dump and burn by a pig (the RAAF name for the one-eleven), I know the last one I see, I'm going to remember.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Freedom Eagle) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:20:49 GMT

I guess I should have stated F-18F, because I believe that is the correct model the RAAF is purchasing. Maybe in the future a couple of F-18Gs could be purchased for SEAD roles. I think US aicraft designers jumped the gun in building only single seat fighter aircraft as the US Marines purshased many of their Hornets in the 2 seat form as the F-18D to use as replacements for the A-6 Intruder as it was realised the high workload in the attack mission would be easier with a 2 crew. The Superbug...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Michael ODonnell) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:11:57 GMT

I think two things were factors. One is the commonality of the design with the earlier F/A-18A/B/C/D series, in terms of layout and operating systems. Supposedly it is very easy for pilots to convert between the Bug generations, I am not so sure that it would be the same with the F-15E. The other part would seem that this is intended as a bridging capability, the intention being that when the F-35 is fully in service, the F/A-18Es can be sold off. Whether this is to the USN or another...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Freedom Eagle) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:19:35 GMT

Im curious why the F-15E wasnt bought. The Superbug (F-18E) has a much smaller radar signature (about the size of an F-16) and has some in common with first generation Hornets.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (JBG) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:14:16 GMT

Despite the obvious negatives the decision to axe the Sea Sprites just had to be made. The crucial issue was airworthiness. In auto hover they would unexpectantly pitch. Kaman, after over a billion A$ spent wanted another A$40 million to fix what should have been a basic issue sorted out years ago.

Upgraded Seahawks are usuable but we don't have enough for Adelaides, Anzacs and training. Best bet would be to cadge a few from the USN. Second, and better longer term bet is to...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (jim3au) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:39:20 GMT

In a word, NO. They have no idea where they are going with Defence. They do know that they would like to claw back some billions from somewhere so that the Reserve Bank will stop increasing interest rates. Alternatively, they want to be seen to be looking after their constituency if interest rates have to keep rising because of the previous government's profligacy.

On the other hand they do not want to actually do anything serious about interest rates because that would reduce...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (Michael ODonnell) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:10:40 GMT

While Labor might be happy to dump it and wash it's hands of it, that still doesn't solve the actual problem, that of the helicopters for the ANZAC Frigates and future RAN ships. While the RAN would not have been happy about the delays to the Seasprites, they would also surely be unhappy about having to keep going with the minimal number of ageing, almost obsolescent Seahawks. And without (now) a definite replacement plan. The Axeman is making political mileage by dumping on past or...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (jim3au) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:59:45 GMT

If the RAN cannot get someone to say, make that several someones, to say that the aircraft are good, safe weapons systems to fly, then they cannot do anything but axe them.

A part from the quandary of whether another five hundred million or whatever, will make it better, or will it then change from becoming a Coalition fiasco to a Labor fiasco, there is the very real issue of whether or not they are safe. Presently, it is a Coalition fiasco...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (CliffS) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:58:58 GMT

So it's happened at last - no more speculation. Fitzgibbon says the programme will be replaced by an extended upgrade of the existing Seahawk fleet. Now that he's cut his teeth on this relatively simple task, what is the next target for Joel the Axeman?

Cheers, Cliff

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (rabid stoat AUS) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:39:14 GMT

I've heard the new minister backing down re the SHornets lately. It seems likely it will still go ahead.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (sons of anzac) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:31:54 GMT

Looking at what is available there is only really options with either more ex USN Seahawks or ex RN Lynx's. How do the respective services stand with say 12 of these in reasonable condition that the RAN could lease for a few years until we can get a new order in place? Commonality I'd push for the Seahawks, versatility the Lynx...................

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (sons of anzac) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:53:01 GMT

I dunno- I beginning to get somewhat confident they will survive. We are hearing more comments from RAAF that they want them, the F111's have had it and the f35 program is just too uncertaina s yet and they are nervous of the capability gap. I think it will get down to the asrgument between the strategic theorists ie Dibb, Kopp and White vs the RAAF. Whilst the new govt seems determined to denegrate everything the previous conservative govt did (or did not) do, I think it would be a...

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (pascaly) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:08:55 GMT

The next to go will be the Super Hornets.

Re: SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (sons of anzac) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:19:39 GMT

Well, the govt has finally axed the project. 1 down, how many more to go????????????????????? I hope they can lease or buy some replacement helicopters in the interim until the follow on replacement decision is made.

SeaSprite Faces Axe...Again

feeds@yuku.com (pascaly) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:09:28 GMT

From Aus Aviation; 04/02/08

SEASPRITE FACES AXE…AGAIN: Word out of last week's PAC 08 naval exposition and sea power conference in Sydney suggests the Navy's ailing Seasprite
program is again facing the axe, this time one wielded by new Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.