The RAAF takes delivery of its first Super Hornets. The Superbugs will equip the 1st fighter squadron at RAAF Amberley, QLD.
Wg. Cdr. Glen Braz is the squadron CO.
But federal MP and former defence scientist Dennis Jensen said the Super Hornet was actually a backward step in Australia's capability, lacking the manoeuvrability of the F-111.
"You can be tens of kilometres apart," Dr Jensen said yesterday.
"(In an F-111) you still have the option to engage if the conditions are favourable or disengage if the conditions aren't favourable."
He said the Super Hornet also failed to match comparable aircraft - such as the Russian-built Sukhoi Flanker - for speed, since it could not cruise at supersonic speed without using its afterburn.
Dennis Jensen is right, and so is Dr. Carlo Kopp about the Superbug.
It is no match for a Flanker in A2A combat. The Super Hornet lacks the raw power, T2W ratio and speed, along with heavier wing loading, of the Russian-designed air superiority fighter.
Australia should have instead acquired the F-22 Raptor, had the Obey Amendment be repealed in order to facilitate their export.
Along with some Silent Eagles.
