Having just checked the Airbus Military site, there is no listing for the A319MPA, which suggests to me that Airbus is no longer working on developing it. IIRC there had been one or two, but they were more like tech demonstrators that a developed product.
A319 MPA Maritime Patrol Aircraft - Naval Technology
I am aware of the Naval technology page. Which is why I specifically double checked by going to the actual manufacturer's website for Airbus Military, to see what they were listing for fixed-wing military aircraft products..
Graeme Gilmore did a very fine job saving this.
Could not agree more about Graeme Gilmore. Was my boss at D Eng in the late 70's and met him again 3 years ago at the project when he showed some of us around. Full of energy and obviously very highly respected by his staff even though he was probability past 80. (looked more like late 50's ) you see few men of this caliber in life's travels.
IIRC he was a Wing Co when I knew him. He's a real gentleman and very well mannered and polite. Always please and thank you regardless if you were the lowest airman in the RNZAF or HM the Queen herself. That goes a long way amongst those who are not commissioned and work for a living
From memory the treasury documents gave the same 15 year life extension and Graeme Gilmore said even more when I was talking to him during our visit to the project 3 years ago. ( he was not a fan of the C130 J )
You would get the same type of thinking from Mr Little as the thinking that gave the navy the protector project and the airforce the C130 re-life. every thing delayed, or scrapped or done on the apparent cheep. Usually meaning in the long term it will diminish capability and end up costing more .
If the price was right and the operating costs stacked up it would certainly be a good option. This option would also create greater flexibility when choosing the strategic aircraft. I would be surprised if it had not been looked at.
Actually i had mentioned the german sale a while back
though come to think of it, would some gear onboard be in german that would need like in the cockpit? Would specs be slightly altered as some operators do to suit there specific needs.
english is the international language used for common operating and combat room layouts in use in NATO countries.Actually i had mentioned the german sale a while back
Unsure about the announcement, but since the German govt is a major shareholder I think that Airbus wouldn't have any issues with that. The Alenia issue with the USAF was different because of the USAF politics in killing a program.
I think that the Luftwaffe systems would be top notch, more so than what our govt might intend, hence it would be a good opportunity in that aspect. Maybe Mr English needs to give Frau Merkel a call and ply her with some kiwi charm and delicaciesActually i had mentioned the german sale a while back
Yes the onsales and excess have been known for awhile but some here discounted them as saying they would not give up their early slots and we would possibly have to tag onto the end of their production runs, apparently not the case as 2018 is not actually that far away. I guess it's the difference between paying now or paying later dependant on financial situation.Actually i had mentioned the german sale a while back
A bit of a dilemma if such an alliance were to win for any large order placed before an election assuming they are publicly on record against a particular acquisition. A solid penalty clause with a big payment fine might be a lock assuming this labour/green alliance isn't as stupid as Canada's Chrétien government in 1991 which happily paid $500 million to cancel the previous conservative government's AW101 helicopter order.
You never know, something I was told by a contact was that the cancellation of the F16 deal cost an extra $60m over what had already been spent. basically gave the USN 12 free aggressor aircraft. So Labour has the history in this regard.
