Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Unless strayed over the border...fishy sounds more like it.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Having had a "minor" spare parts issue before the war, this appears to have been resolved. It's apparently understood that most of the 20 planes noted below and elsewhere were Mig-29 jets that unavailable at the start of the war. These parts are also maintaining flight ops for the rest.

I would imagine you would you need only to look West and just across the border to figure who the "key supplier" is. :D
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...c2e1c832f6ff7d

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I'm starting to see this "traffic" picking up on the web. Apparently, they got shipped into the Ukraine on the 26th.

Nothing new with this "concept" that's what Russia does with the Indian T-90S, they ship the components and India puts them
together. Last time I checked 80% of those parts come in from Russia.

If those Su-25 jets did come from Bulgaria, the eight that were upgraded will match or be slightly better than their Russian counterparts.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...29s/ar-AAWo27F
https://www.novinite.com/articles/21...a+send+them%3F

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

A little something that was at times "beaten into our heads" lest we forget that we "Train as you fight, fight as you train" a little diversion and something you don't really hear about. This is why we built the Interstate Road System back in the 1950's it wasn't just to move the Army or us.

Next you find yourself moving slowly through an Interstate construction area note how deep that rebar and concrete layer is.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/su...out&li=BBnbfcL
(Put the "hand" over MSgt. Scott Thompsons "banner" in the lower right to see how far that A-10 came the exercise last year.)
https://americanmilitarynews.com/202...y-in-michigan/
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...erican-highway

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Gotta love the A-10.........

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1653993421

...how could I resist.......

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1653993588

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Let's see now, yes, a squadron of A-10's is touring in Europe to commemorate D-Day celebrations throughout. When unexpectantly a war breaks out.

It's our only A-10 SQD. in Europe and we need them at the front ASAP!

No time to repaint them, only to load them out to blunt an armored assault.

For PR and Psy. Op purposes DOD decides to keep them in their D-Day paint scheme until the end of hostilities.

That's my "cover story" and I'm sticking to it!?! :cool:

Looks really good!! Good to know our ground troops will have their support as it looks now until 2035.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I must say that I found the following a very interesting read. Though some of what is discussed was underway, thanks to Russia, they've increased GDP spending on defense (Doubled it.) to meet the potential current threat.

If you read this fully, you'll discover "the straw that broke the camel's back" that caused Sweden to join NATO.

I'll need to re-access the GRIPEN E, I knew it was a completely new airframe so it could accommodate the AESA air/ground radar systems along with a new EW suite as well.

What I just found out was the EW suite was more robust than I thought and also it can carry a much heavier weapons payload as well.

So that's what I got from it and more.

What anyone else gets from it, well that's kind've like " Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I guess it could come down to your eyesight. :rolleyes:
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/swedish-a...-the-way-ahead

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Why we love it, why it's so lethal, understanding it's 30mm DU round and what makes it so deadly and how it uses the tank armor against itself and what it does inside the tank (This "principal" would pretty much give you fair idea how much worse the affects would with a DU tank round. ).

I also found the video rounds things out nicely.

Finally, I found this very useful in game terms as well as quoted from the ref.

"The Air Force's Air Combat Command said that it is still using armor-piercing incendiary rounds, albeit in smaller quantities than it used to. Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for Air Combat Command, said the service is beginning to field belts of 30mm ammunition that feature a mix of two armor-piercing incendiary rounds for every one high-explosive incendiary round. That ratio is a little lower than the old ratio of five API to everyone HEI, "which has expired and was removed from the Air Force active inventory," Worley explained. But the new rounds will not be used in training, she said, as they are primarily for combat as part of the military's war reserve materiel."

This article was written yesterday which tells me if the USAF is just beginning to field the 2:1 ratio belts of ammo that the previous 5:1 ratio belts of ammo are most likely in the last year "of service" so DEC 2022.

We might need to reconsider how our in-game A-10 are setup based on the above from the USAF the ammo ratio issue if there's a discrepancy between the two.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-...c140200524feab

I feel also especially as compared to the Russian OOB with their Su-25SM UNIT 957/Su-30/34/35 ground attack units (Most or all.) at TI/GSR 40 that we can do better than 1 A-10 UNIT 871 @ TI/GSR 40.

This had been a very old "*****" of mine since the first LITENING ER was fielded in 2001 followed by the LITENING AT in 2003 not long before I showed up here. It doesn't use up a weapons hard point as it's normally mounted to the fuselage in more recent times. The last ref discusses it use on the A-10 back in 2003.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-r...-Aircraft.html
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-She...nce-targeting/
http://www.sponauer.com/a-10litening/
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...4&&FORM=VDRVRV
(NOTE: 1. TEST EVALUATION DATES OF EACH SEGMENT (2000+) 2. ALTITUDE and RANGES "FLASH" at the BOTTOM of the SCREEN.)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

The A-10 will not be replaced by any prop driven aircraft now. The USAF since the early 2000's had been seeking a lighter prop driven light attack aircraft to provide CAS, Recon and other support and now it looks like the current program is dead in trying to take over the roles that the A-10 was responsible for.

As the article clearly states, NONE of these aircraft were operational in the USAF or SOCOM.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ai...ce58a3#image=4

That'd be like having a paper airplane replace an expensive RC one! :eek:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Always like the look and capability of the A-10 for the same reason I like the look and capability of the Heinkel He 219

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Then you would've liked the following even better of the type, unfortunately it never went into production. From the ref.
"The He 219 A-7, the next major production version, carried a powerful armament of eight cannon - two 30 mm Rheinmetall MK-108s in the wing roots, two 30 mm Rheinmetall MK-103s and two 20 mm Mauser MK-151/20s in a ventral tray, and two MK-108s in a "Schräge Musik" installation. The A-7/R6, with Junkers Jumo 222A/B engines (2500 hp), was the fastest of the type, attaining 700 kph (435 mph). Despite the aircraft's successes, Erhard Milch, another Heinkel opponent who was chief of aircraft procurement and supply, persuaded the RLM in May 1944 to cancel the whole program. He favored standardization on the multipurpose Junkers Ju 388 and the Focke-Wulf Ta 154 night fighter, which he thought were easier to manufacture but which in fact never saw combat."
https://airandspace.si.edu/collectio...m_A19600322000
(Definitely I agree the "A-10" of its time.

Herr Milch obviously based on his biased attitude towards Heinkel made the wrong choice above. For those that don't know he was the architect of what would be the Luftwaffe prior to WWII to about 1944.
https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/29/a...ed-of-war.html

The above article does mention the Me 262 jet. ;)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Just for giggles............:D

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1660422470

Final version 300%

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1661720455

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Ukrainian sugests that HARM antiradar missiles were integrated not only with Mig-29 but also with Su-24. Quite impressive to install necessary equipment in aircraft which were never intended to use western rockets.

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and...iles-3979.html

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

There is a report in the September issue of AirForces Monthly that France retired their last Mirage 2000s at the end of June. The current end date for the 2000s is 12/25. Units are 213-216, 773, 902, 903, 969 and 980.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

A link would have been nice as the info actually is.......

https://aviationweek.com/defense-spa...%20a%20handful...


So C versions only.......which we do not have in the game so there is no change

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I'm posting this here because it's showing one of my favorite jets and that like "TR" we're still not afraid to carry a "big stick" with our naval forces. This is the first deployment of an Amphibious Combat Assault ship into the Baltic in over 20 years. The ship is the USS KEARSAGE LHD-3. For this story released yesterday she was working with our NATO partners in an exercise.

I was happy to see that the AV-8B is still active and currently projected to be until sometime between 2030-2035. There are still issues with the F-35 and orders from them are being scaled back to support other service projects from all branches.

In the meantime, enjoy the article and great photos.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...ng/ar-AA11s4hi

I must say I missed the article that said sailors have been redesignated as "soldiers", how'd that happen!?! Then also the media still thinks we have Battleships too!! :doh:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

hint that also Su-27 is a carrier for HARM missiles

https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrai...g_29-4167.html

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Well, I found this next sort of a "refreshing" story. Especially since there hasn't been much news concerning the Ukrainian Air Force for a couple of weeks or so after their ace pilot was shot down and killed.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...63833c0c6996eb

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Well, nothing surprises me anymore concerning the F-35 series. We've over the last 4 months had two jets crash the latest was a USMC F-35B were the pilot ejected just in time while trying to land it. Boths caused groundings totaling to roughly a month. The problem here honestly is that the electronics especially wasn't "future proofed" as much as might've been possible i.e., everyone knew for instance that the S-400/500 (Was just fielded very recently.) were coming but the technology wasn't all there at the time the program was started. I really hope if you call up the systems below you take a careful look at the header and note the dates when submitted and updated. Also, these guys are much smarter about these things than any of us can hope to be. They were one of the better "think tanks" in the world on these matters and though I agree with this assessment, those words didn't come from me.

Again, these guys somewhat did "future proof" their website as it's still considered as a "Gold Standard" for a nongovernmental organization on most of the systems covered including the likes of what's below. How did they get those pictures? Very JANEISH if you ask me!?! Site was last updated on JAN 27, 2014.
http://www.ausairpower.net/sams-iads.html
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-S-400-Triumf.html
(This was my primary site for this system when submitted.)
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-S-500-Triumfator-M.html

BACK TO THE F-35...
Other issues cited was the "battle of the engines" and replacement process and ODIN both previously mentioned along with many others.

So now we have another, and I really hope you read this article a part of Radar fix is to upgrade two systems needed for this jet to carry our latest weapons which apparently it can't do now.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techn...fe82a02074b48d

Where's the USN with the F-35C? Nowhere. And USAF well, they're in the same spot.
https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/F-35-Lightning-II
(We really don't need this jet anyway, afterall we have MAVERICK!! :p)
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-She...-lightning-ii/
(But we do have the F-15EX.)

More to follow later from the Congressional GAO Reports from earlier this year.

On another Project the news is better, it appears I have only 4 more tanks to address though this has somewhat turned into a "mini" version of the foreign T-72 tank issues we addressed I believe in my last Patch Submission. Thankfully only a couple of more name and date changes.
Had an eye issue the last couple of days after seeing my specialist today, I'll be off another day from work so there's a fair chance maybe by tomorrow night with luck it'll be done.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Graphic how Ukrainian F-16 may look like when will be delivered:

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/illu...d2647c52ff.jpg

https://en.defence-ua.com/industries...7072-5914.html

And also some info about T-22M3 which were in their army until 2006 and decommissioned destroyed from lack of funds and because they believe in that times that world will be a better place :(

https://en.defence-ua.com/industries...nted-5683.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/illu...30af680e38.jpg

F-18 second hand from Finland is also on table
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/finland-wi...rs-to-ukraine/

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

What we know is that with help the Ukrainians have modified their MiG-29's and Ground Attack aircraft to be able to use Western/Their Air to Air and Air to Ground weapons with the JDAM Kits.

And so, we have reports that early last month they successfully made an attack on targets using the JDAM with an effective range of at least 15+ miles which would give this a "standoff attack" capability.

But the rub is what we really gave them is the JDAM-ER (Extended Range VERSION.)
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe...sian_army.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/unit...tion_data.html

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Article's with Mig-29 photos in Luftwaffe camo after Germany reunification
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/germany-ap...29-export-bid/
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/why_n...iles-6419.html
https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads...shot_4-6-2.jpg

Aero L-39 in Ukrainian camo with their usage in post-soviet small wars described
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/a...idea-6336.html

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

We've been training Ukrainian Pilots now for a handful of months and so have about 3 other NATO countries. Some have pledged F-16 jets but couldn't until now supply them.

Estimates based on current training would indicate this will take several months or longer to accomplish.

The U.S. could be a winner in this as we'll at some point I'm sure we'll find out how good the F-16 is in air-to-air combat.

Not a game issue but, you'd have to "live under a rock" to not understand the RL IMPLICATIONS.

It's already in the past decades proven it's a very capable ground attack system especially as weapons technology has improved.

So see if this sounds familiar from a certain show as modified "F-16s are a GO!!" well in about a year and probably slightly more.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...52239272&ei=22
(Article first appeared on CNN.) .

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

First to my last post concerning the F-16C/Ds for the Ukraine it'll be late Summer 2024 more likely the Fall of 2024 before we might see them operationally.

Pilot training alone is a year or slightly more in length. Had a USN F-18C/D engine mechanic who told me his school was about a yearlong as well (I can vouch for this based on my ASVAB score it qualified me for aircraft engine or EW/or Avionics training then in Millington TN. now at Pensacola FL.)

Concerning the next I would've thought the Eurofighter was already flying in the SEAD role, however, it isn't and won't be until 2030 or so.

For Germany the focus of this article means the very capable Panavia Tornado electronic combat and reconnaissance (ECR) jets will continue in that role. Reason for replacement airframe age averaging around 30 years currently.

UK faces the same issue and will modifying their TRANCHE 3 versions to be completed also by 2030 or so.

They were also using the ECR as well up to FEB 2019 and replaced by the TYPHOON in the SEAD role during the transition of the ECR retirement.

The weapon the UK carried was the ALARM retired in DEC. 2013.
https://weaponsystems.net/system/106-ALARM.

It was replaced by the STORM SHADOW for SEAD providing a "standoff" capability.
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence...LLER-061223-JM

NOTE: MILTARY-TODAY website is not available. I'm assuming due to the war in Ukraine where they were based out of. It is my hope they will come back online as they covered such a wide variety of weapons systems and platforms.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Well, the game I'm watching is going into overtime.

So basic flight training has just completed.

Advanced flight training will probably begin later this month. This should be completed sometime between Aug. - Oct. of this year.

All this training included Logistical and Maintenace personnel and like the pilots, they are also entering the advanced part of their training.

The F-16 they are operating are of a more advanced type than I thought they would receive.

Specifically, I speak of the F-16 well now I can't as I "stepped on it" to get here. I can tell you from reading the article the Dutch are updating the ones the Ukraine will receive. There originally was thinking it would be the "VIPER" I believe and am sure that's changed as that's our most advanced version and the Dutch don't fly them.

That being said, it'll be more than capable in both the air and ground attack modes. One of the Dutch upgrades will include a new attack radar and subsystems.

I would fully expect it to have TI/GSR 40. It'll also be able to carry all the latest weapons air and ground the F-16 IS CURRENTLY CERTIFIED TO USE.
https://www.flyingmag.com/first-batc...raining-in-uk/

I will post the article when it next "pops up" on my screen for the specific type.

Regards,

And Happy New Year to all!

Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

The Dutch fly the F-16AM (Fighter-bomber)/BM (Trainer) the Danish fighters will be brought up to the same spec if needed to maintain aircraft compatibility/parity of the type.

Time for me to "fly" have a good day!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I noticed that the MiG-31 was using the MiG-25 Icon

So I built a new-31 then got carried away........
https://i.imgur.com/wupJW8c.png

Eventually I'll decide which ones I will use

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

For giggles I was going to build one with markings of the Kazakh Air Defense Forces as they are the only other nation that uses the -31

but reported Nov 17/2023

https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/k...fighter-mig31/

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

According to the following it appears that the following are potential buyers for different reasons as reported in the last two paras. This little more in depth and reporting Kazakhstan canceled the first sale and has reduced the asking price in half. Supposedly the relaunch of the sale was to last Nov.

ICONs look great!
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/k...ombat-aircraft
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/20...mig-31-mig-29/

This last will serve a "dual purpose" I'm sure the more astute will figure out why it's here and makes sense for that piece of equipment which has of late being reported it never really was even in Crimea.
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/20...-ak-12-rifles/

It looks like you might get one free article a day.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Spanish (033) OBAT

Unit 577: JSF

Spain keeps going hot/cold/hot/cold on actually acquiring the F-35B; so I'm not sure whether to keep Unit 577 in; given that any future F-35B buy will now only arrive after 2025/2026...

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Some F-35 information:

Belgium -- They got presented with their first F-35 in December 2023; but it will be 2025 before a F-35 lands at Florennes Air Base (2nd Tactical Wing) and 2027 for Kleine-Brogel Air Base (10th Tactical Wing); as the first eight Belgian F-35s built will go to Luke AFB in the US to train Belgian pilots in the US.

Finland: F-35A deliveries to begin 2026.

Germany: F-35A deliveries to begin 2026; IOC 2028.

Canada: F-35A deliveries to begin 2026, first squadron IOC 2029.

Norway: Unit 279; has a start date of 1/122 -- Norway reached IOC in November 2019 and scrambled their first F-35s to intercept Russian aircraft in March 2020. Also is still labeled "F-35 JSF"

Poland: F-35A deliveries to begin 2024 to Luke AFB for training of Polish pilots in USA. Actual deliveries to Polish airbases won't occur until 2026.

Switzerland: F-35A deliveries to begin in 2027.

Czech Republic: F-35A deliveries to begin 2031, FOC in 2035.

Greece: F-35A deliveries to begin 2028; IOC around 2030 or later.

Romania -- they sent a letter in November 2023 to the USA saying they want 48 x F-35A for three squadrons, but no contract has been signed as yet; the aim is for them to replace the F-16s in Romanian service from 2030 onwards.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

First flight of Turkish Kaan fighter.

https://twitter.com/Fighterman_FFRC/...40414035206331

Program started 2010; maiden flight Feb 2024, planned for production to about 2029/2030...ish for Block 10; with future mass production of Block 20 onwards from 2034 or whatever.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-pl...kaan-fighters/



I am not going to rush these into the game........aside from having 2 engines it's a near dead ringer for the -35

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Well, the next comes from the realm of from some of us as "We told you so." concerning the F-35 versus A-10C in the much-publicized competition back in 2018.

The funny thing was we only got "cryptic" reports of the results.

Well, the following is indicating the USAF kept them for the most part quiet and didn't even write up the full results until 2022.

During this period attempts to get the results, several petitions filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) were filed.

The conclusions from the below were drawn from those documents though heavily redacted for National Security reasons.

What this does is just verify what a small handful here said in the beginning concerning these aircraft in the CAS role from what little there was on the web at the time.

The video shows the F-35 Fleet have just been cleared (Again) to resume normal operations (F-35B) and IOC/OP Testing (F-35A/C).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techn...9539813&ei=108

The number have been cut again for this year to only 25-35 aircraft.

We've re-engine them 3 times. The biggest and still ongoing issue being the onboard logistics issues though that is slowly getting better and so many other issues to count.

We are stuck in a "LOOP" that sees the few new jets coming off the line with the latest fixes and in some cases having to "ground stop" the fleet to install the critical fixes on the existing jets.

Not a good way to run any program.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I know I brought this up awhile back but are we going to see the Ukrainian jets armed with the "standoff" weapons they've gotten since last Fall?

Also, tracking down "bits" saying their HINDS have been modified for HELLFIRE. I'm not seeing what I want to at this moment to ask for them.

I know your clock is fast running out.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

It would be helpful to know which "standoff weapons" you are specifically referring to.

There are no hellfires in the UKR OOB yet although...

https://dsm.forecastinternational.co...duction-fades/

Suggests I should add it but that link also suggests it's production is coming to an end

They are also using the Swedish RBS-17 which is a Hellfire derivative which is also not in the UKR OOB BUT ..........surprise, surprise, surprise. The Dumping ground OOB for the worlds weapons is running out of free weapons slots so for the RBS-17/Hellfire we may need to amalgamate them into one to conserve space and that won't make anyone happy as Hellfires have two weapons classes as they have different uses some are ATGM and some are air to surface missiles and the RBS-17 was designed to be an anti-ship missile:doh:\

And to give all the error ferrets something to chew on in the Swedish OOB the "Hellfire Team" fires a "RBS-17 AntiShip" WC 13 ( ATGM ) and that may very well be what ends up in the Ukraine OOB ONCE I FIX THE DAMNED THING as it has no HEAT pen so it's useless as an ATGM and it's been like that FOR TWENTY YEARS. There may be a reason lost in the mists of time that explains why a WC13 ATGM was given 0 HEAT pen but I don't recall what it might be

I SUSPECT it was set up this way as it was not intended for AT work. What they are good for in a ground role in Ukraine is unknown to me at this time

And yeah Pat.....it's all getting ( really, really ) old

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

https://twitter.com/Korea_Defense/st...88577479946710

Going from F-4E to F-35A must be a huge :angel for the pilots

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

I think it comes down to what the RBS-17 was intended for use against -- Sweden bought it for their Amphibious Corps (Amfibiekåren).

Seems that the idea was that helicopters or fast boats would drop off Amfibiekåren units who would quickly set up defenses on otherwise uninhabited or sparsely inhabited areas.

https://www.militaryfactory.com/smal...llarms_id=1341
https://web.archive.org/web/20070101....com/rb17.html

The robot platoon in the AMF consists of 3 fire units which in turn are divided into robot and illuminator groups.

An illuminator group consists of 4-5 men who move with a G-boat.

The robot group consists of 9-10 men and moves with Stridsbåt 90H.

The entire robot platoon groups the advance along the enemy's likely path of advance, that way you can quickly open fire when/if the enemy shows up.

As part of the development of the HSDS (HELLFIRE Shore Defense System), the HEAT warhead of the normal Hellfire was replaced with a blast-fragmentation warhead to be more effective against small boats and landing craft. (it's why it has HEAT=0 in the OOB)

Additionally, the control logic of the missile guidance computer was changed to better work against surface (ship) targets.

This isn't the only specialized anti-landing craft ATGM made -- the South Koreans, Taiwanese or Japanese (I forget who) had a special TOW made with a different guidance wire section in order to use the missile at longer ranges over open water against incoming landing craft -- normal TOW can't operate over water over 'x' meters, because the guidance wires eventually touch the ground.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

This has been in the works since Oct. 11, 2023, when the State Department approved the foreign sales request from Denmark to Argentina of their F-16 fighters the same one the Ukraine will be receiving.

What strikes me was Britian did not block this sale as they have done in the past since the Falklands War of any Fighter aircraft foreign sales to Argentina.

Also, these fighters are much more modern with an arms package we're also selling them being more "modern" then expected.

I already knew that since 2015 when the MIRAGE III fighters where retired from service that the ONLY fighter they were flying was the A4 SKYHAWKS.

What I didn't know however was that in 1994 they bought 36 UPDATED A4's from us that were flown by the USMC. They've had some updates along the way but, from the time of purchase those jets would be known as the A-4AR Fightinghawk.

The A-4AR will be replaced on a "one-to-one" which for RL & Game will keep them operational until DEC 2025.

What drove this? See the "breaking news" Argentina wants to join NATO and the talks have been ongoing. We have also sold them our latest version of the P-3 ORION Anti-Submarine and Surface Maritine platform.

There also up until a little over a year ago was the Chinese effort to sell them the JF-17 Fighter as flown for some time now by Pakistan.

Some "Cut and Paste" to make things easier for "The Boss"...

"After the signing of the deal, the first F-16 with the insignias of the Fuerza Aérea Argentina was unveil unveiled. The aircraft, the F-16BM 86-0199/ET-199, is painted in dark grey “Have Glass” color scheme, with full color Argentine flag and roundel. Interestingly, the F-16 was also armed with an inert GBU-31 JDAM and BRU-61 rack with four GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs. " (They are getting these. )

"According to Argentine newspapers, the package also includes AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles (Non-starters for us.), while other weapons will be acquired directly from the United States. The whole deal is worth about $ 300 million which, according to a government spokesperson, is below the market cost of the aircraft."

"In their current configuration, the F-16s sold to Argentina were initially delivered in the Block 1, Block 5 and Block 15 configuration and later upgraded up to the Block 20 Mid Life Update configuration, with capabilities considered comparable to the F-16C Block 50/52 configuration.
https://theaviationist.com/2021/02/0...f-16-aircraft/"

By the way we are currently building those new F-16's.

From some other sources they should have the first six by the Fall also it is my understanding their Pilots are in Denmark training already.

I would expect it more than "reasonable" for FOC START Argentina in OCT 2024.
https://theaviationist.com/2024/04/1...-breaks-cover/

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

F-4E retirement moving forward:

https://theaviationist.com/2024/05/1...r-south-korea/

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Another OOB slot going *poof* in Ukraine.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...lots-in-france

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

......and potentially a weapons slot or two

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

A little "myth busting" and Argentina still trying to project a positive pro-western attitude, they as I posted awhile back are trying to join NATO that would potentially be a very good thing for us to enhance our naval presence in the South Atlantic especially as they are so close to a place called the Antartica.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...ad4d20c0&ei=14
and
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...dfb02b5e&ei=66

Now back to "dreamland".

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

The cleanup begins here...
I'll be keeping these items "brief" even by my definition of the word!?! :rolleyes: :eek: :re: Alright I'll do the best I can then!

First up and I've already started on this in the very early stages
of development. I speck of the F-15EX and the USAF is already starting the pilot transition away from the F-15C/D jets.
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-She...01/f-15-eagle/

As I've discussed in the past the GRIPEN C/D are 4th GEN +++ and owns the Class though many are now thinking the Chinese J-20 belongs there now as well.

By comparison the GRIPEN NG (Which I need to review.) and the F-15EX will be/are 4th GEN ++++++ and I don't exaggerate these things. Both already meet some of the criteria required to be truly a 5th GEN fighter of which there is only one as the others have dropped off the podium in the last year or two. I'll leave it to your imagination about which I refer to.

F-15EX also have internal bomb bays, confirming "cruise" after burner and for weapons comparison I leave you with this comparison; the F-35 can hold 4 of our best "over the horizon" AAMissiles and the F-15EX can hold 12 to 16 of the same based on configuration and source.

I can't wait!! The F-35 has been determined based on the "shootout" against the A-10 and since looking to be used as escorts for the both the A-10 & F-15 existing fleets of which each will still be around in 2030+.
https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-w...LLER-030724-JM

The next is really an interesting piece on the A-4 during the Falklands War. I would REALLY invite you to pay particular attention to what the "posters" did or do for a living before you "judge" this piece.
https://www.quora.com/How-effective-...-Falklands-War

I would like to take the opportunity to recommend the following of which possibly Andy might be familiar with this unit as it served in N. Ireland before deploying to the Falklands. This book is titled "3 DAYS IN JUNE 3 PARA'S BATTLE FOR MT. LONGDON" by James O'Connell
Forward by Major General Jonathan Shaw CB CBE & Lt. General Sir Hew Pike KCB DSO MBE.
The author was enlisted and severely wounded during the battle. This is told from the members that fought there to include the Argentians as well. The perspective is from each companies' platoons on the same timeline told separately (Think Claude Nolons "DUNKIRK").

B Company CSM Johnny Weeks reminded me very much of CSM Frank Bourne as portrayed in the movie "ZULU" (Though in real life he was only 24 at the Battle of Rorke’s Drift) he would live to 91 as the last survivor from the battle and ironically passed on 8 May 1945.

Anyway, I digress but the best I've read on the land side about the Falklands War.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Footage of F-16s in AFU service; seems like Zelensky did a speech introducing the type to service.

https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status...95228210303371

Looks like they're in the "standard" USAF/NATO F-16 cobra grey scheme, with only roundels being the difference.

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Sunday the 4th the Ukraine received 4 of the promised 60 which is likely to be increased. The reports of them already flying combat missions are like saying "Ceasar lives!"
https://www.armyrecognition.com/focu...russian-troops

I would agree that maybe they might use them soonest, however 18 jets make up a full Squadron in the Ukraine which I believe might be the NATO standard. That would a requirement to get a "limited" membership minus Article 5 and more.
https://hosted.ap.org/thetimes-tribu...d-f-16-fighter
https://www.csis.org/analysis/f-16s-...%20squadron%29.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

interesting vid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNu9vbDlvM

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Netherlands just did the closeout on 45 years of F-16 service with ceremonies. From today onwards, they're an all F-35 force, which achieved Full Operational Capability.

https://www.janes.com/osint-insights...5-retires-f-16

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

......and the Netherlands OOB now reflects that
Thanks

Re: Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.
 

Some of you may find this interesting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5UybRJNe0Q
Sonic Booms from the Israeli Air Force used to locate Hassan Nasrallah