Posted on 11/26/2011 9:33:31 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Eurofighter best option for Japan's ASDF
David Warren / Special to The Yomiuri Shimbun
The international security environment is evolving. Particularly in terms of air defence, new technology is constantly being developed, including fifth generation fighter aircraft with high stealth performance that prevents targets from being detected easily by a radar.
The Japanese Air Self-Defence Force, therefore, needs to take measures to ensure it can meet any challenge in the future. Which aircraft to select as a successor of ASDF's F-4 fighter aircraft that has become obsolete will be a critical decision for Japan's air defence for the next 20 to 30 years.
What kind of fighter aircraft will Japan need in the future? Japan's ASDF describes the F-4 as an aircraft that waits for enemy aircraft and prevents it from invading the territorial airspace. Until several years ago they had wanted to buy the F-22, the United States' new and powerful stealth aircraft as a fighter to succeed the F-4. But they gave up this plan, as a result of the United States' congressional export ban, introduced to maintain confidentiality.
The strength of the F-22 is its ability to defend a country by securing a high level of "air superiority." Air superiority is the condition where the safety of allied aircraft is secured or the operations of an enemy aircraft are prevented in the air for a certain period of time. For this it is essential to have a fighter that is designed to deliver an agile response, including fast-flying at high altitude and high turning ability.
I believe that the only aircraft that shares these abilities with the F-22, and has been designed to deliver the most similar functionality, is the Eurofighter aircraft, jointly developed
(Excerpt) Read more at yomiuri.co.jp ...
Japan's ASDF describes the F-4 as an aircraft that waits for enemy aircraft and prevents it from invading the territorial airspace. Until several years ago they had wanted to buy the F-22, the United States' new and powerful stealth aircraft as a fighter to succeed the F-4. But they gave up this plan, as a result of the United States' congressional export ban, introduced to maintain confidentiality.
Ping.
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Hard to believe they're still flying Phantoms. How many hours must these airframes have on them?
That was one awesome plane. My personal favorite
I once called for gunships, expecting hueys or maybe a couple of Cobras. I guess they were plumb out and sent me two F4’s at my command. Eighteen years old and guiding F4’s to the enemy patrol. It was impossible to slap the smile off my face. I’m getting aroused again!
I believe their Phantoms were the youngest of the type-built by Mitsubishi.
Nothing like seeing fast movers coming in hot.
Yes, the F-4 might be a bit past their prime
I won’t say that. I mean aircraft like the Mirage-III and Mig-21 are still being flown by lots of folks and they are much smaller (and less versatile) than the Phantom. It’s range and payload can still be useful in an anti-shipping role for Japan.
Always wondered why the Europeans love the canard, while US aerospace companies don’t...either it works or it doesn’t..
Will be interesting how this decision goes in the context of what India decides as well. In terms of interoperability, it might be useful if both make the same choice.
Wow! Great story, thanks for sharing!!
You know the old saying,
“If you want another zero, buy the eurofighter!”
You know the old saying,
“If you want another zero, buy the eurofighter!”
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