t68
Well-Known Member
Sorry should have been clear, is Boeing putting forward the Single/Dual or a mix for RCAF program
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) News and Discussions
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Novascotiaboy
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Ngati I am so disgruntled with the way my government has dealt with defence acquisition. So politicized. Far too often decisions have been made for every reason but military effectiveness.
In the mid 60s we had a chance for Phantoms. Had we of bought these instead of the CF5s and Starfighters we would have had them for 25 years at a minimum but probably longer. That would have allowed new fighters to begin to arrive late 90s early 2000s or right in line to have accepted SH from the start. But we messed up. We are out of sync with the tech changes and whatever we buy is likely short lived as drone technology and 6th generation fighters will be upon us.
If F35 happens as so many have postulated that is fine with me but I still will be surprised if it gets the nod in this country as it may be militarily correct but its not politically correct.
In the mid 60s we had a chance for Phantoms. Had we of bought these instead of the CF5s and Starfighters we would have had them for 25 years at a minimum but probably longer. That would have allowed new fighters to begin to arrive late 90s early 2000s or right in line to have accepted SH from the start. But we messed up. We are out of sync with the tech changes and whatever we buy is likely short lived as drone technology and 6th generation fighters will be upon us.
If F35 happens as so many have postulated that is fine with me but I still will be surprised if it gets the nod in this country as it may be militarily correct but its not politically correct.
It will likely be a mix, like the current fleet, with the single-seaters being the primary fighter, and the tandem-seaters used for training. All will be block 3 (Boeing offered Super Hornet Block III fighters to Canada – Defence Blog).
John Fedup
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I am at the point IDGAS. A Gripen or SH purchase would be short term solutions that will have to be replaced within 20 years. At that point, I probably will be greenhouse gas or even a more babbling fool than I already am.
John Fedup
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@Novascotiaboy ... good point about Canada getting out of sync in the early sixties by not selecting F-4s. That indeed would have allowed transition to Superhornets instead of the classics we were forced to buy early due to the dogs the RCAF got in the Sixties. Oh well, at least things at the RCN are looking up.
Another opportunity was apparently missed when a deal for Canada to purchase the Iranian F-14 fleet was scuttled due Canadian assistance in helping US embassy staff flee Iran after the revolution.
John Fedup
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Wasn’t aware of a possible Iranian Tomcat purchase. The Hornet purchase occurred in this timeframe. Both the F-15 and F-14 were considered at the time but were rejected on cost. While Iranian Tomcats were likely affordable the cost to maintain them would have been a bugger and their expiration would be occurring perhaps even earlier than the classics. Phantoms purchased in the sixties could have resulted SHs in the nineties which would be viable to 2030.
Novascotiaboy
Active Member
The possibity of the F14 for the RCAF appears to have been real but anyone looking on the internet will also find a huge amount of fantasy associated with the Tomcat in RCAF service. Would have been nice but would have left us with just a 20 year old orphan. Again we would have been in line for a SH buy.
Whats the deal with the delay in accepting the first of the C295 SAR aircraft? Is it really just a manual issue? Did the Spaniards forget to print in french as well?
Whats the deal with the delay in accepting the first of the C295 SAR aircraft? Is it really just a manual issue? Did the Spaniards forget to print in french as well?
The C295 procured for Canada is substantially different from the previous generation, and is in fact being marketed by Airbus as the "New C295". (Airbus details enhanced C295 configuration | Jane's 360).
The reason for the delay, as reported in the local Ottawa print press, is mostly due to documentation defects related to the new Collins Pro Line cockpit. It was also reported, however, that DND is still hoping for delivery this year.
Airbus Selects Collins Aerospace's Pro Line Fusion for C295 Flight Deck - Avionics
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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Well for once the RCAF won't be waiting for funding. Junior can be counted on for immediate funding for this critical mission aircraft.
VIP aircraft used by Prime Minister damaged – out of service until August 2020
VIP aircraft used by Prime Minister damaged – out of service until August 2020
It appears that they have found the CF-18 replacement. It's not stated when production will start. It's to be called the CF-20 Diefenbaker
Avro Arrow blueprints on display after sitting in Sask. man's home for decades
Avro Arrow blueprints on display after sitting in Sask. man's home for decades
John Fedup
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I don't think these historical documents should have been left to the U of Saskatchewan's Diefenbaker Centre, the man who demanded everything related to Arrow be destroyed on the dubious basis of stuff being lost to the Russians. They belong at Canada's aviation museum in Ottawa.
As long as they’re well protected in Ottawa. They may become the target of a heist by Goon and Co from APA!
John Fedup
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It took our government almost 15 years to sign a FWSAR contract so it isn’t surprising about the delay in deciding what to name these new aircraft.
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-still-dealing-with-legal-issues-on-new-rescue-aircraft-name-military-doesnt-know-when-it-will-be-able-to-announce-a-name
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-still-dealing-with-legal-issues-on-new-rescue-aircraft-name-military-doesnt-know-when-it-will-be-able-to-announce-a-name
John Fedup
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Perhaps this should put to rest any further fantasy discussions about Bombardier building under license any foreign fighter jet for the RCAF (well outside Quebec at least).
Bombardier’s ‘hugely disappointing’ forecast cut sparks speculation it may quit the aviation business
Bombardier’s ‘hugely disappointing’ forecast cut sparks speculation it may quit the aviation business
Has Airbus taken over their business jet production line as well?
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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No, the business jet line is still with Bombardier but the article suggests this might be sold also to reduce debt. Selling this division to a foreign buyer would likely create a political $hitstorm. Despite the rail division’s large order backlog, this unit is losing money as well. NYC and Toronto are both disappointed with current product deliveries.
John Fedup
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One has to wonder if Saab has finally figured out Canada is a complete waste of time. Vendors were supposed have received confirmation months ago that documents submitted wrt to interoperability . As of now, a vendor has to gamble on preparing an expensive bid document without knowing if it meets the interoperability requirement. These procurement people are bloody awful. I assume this issue is met by Boeing and LM.
Fighter jet competitors still wait to hear if they meet Canada’s interoperability requirements
Fighter jet competitors still wait to hear if they meet Canada’s interoperability requirements
Counterpoint(s): Those interoperability requirements have been part of the process since it was started, several years ago now, so the bidders better be bloody compliant, or they don't deserve to move forward. Also, they will be given a chance to address any deficiencies in their bid, so this is a pretty fair process as far as I can tell. Finally, according to the article, they will know by the "end of the month" so sometime in the next 10 days. It must have been a slow news day...
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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Surely these procurement gurus should have been able to confirm if Saab’s submission regarding NORAD interoperability was satisfactory a month or two ago! It is not like an exhaustive evaluation of the two North American bidders would be all time consuming. Maybe this is just another junior delay tactic and due to the interoperability delay confirmation it will necessitate a bid extension beyond March. Let’s face it, fighter procurement is not one of his priorities despite what is defence minister is hyping.