Why do countries like Spain, Australia and Kuwait buy Legacy and Super Hornets when they lack carriers? Wouldn't something like the Strike Eagle suffice?
>>30073204
Hornet is an all-around good plane. It's true that it was designed for carriers but that doesn't mean it can't also be operated from conventional runways. The Strike Eagle would obviously be a better option overall, but F-15's are much more expensive compared to Hornets.
>>30073204
I can only speak in the spanish case, back in the 80s when they made the purchase, the Air Force wanted an aircraft 2 engines, but F-15 was too expensive so they settled for the Hornet. It's a fine plane anyways.
>>30073204
Bugs & Super Bugs are inherently multi-role. They are also significantly less expensive than the F-15 and its variants.
Fun fact was recently dropped over in Denmark. Super Hornets not used on carriers have a 9,500 hour life span.
>possible new look for conformal fuel tanks
I like it.
>>30073281
>>30073403
McDonnell Douglas/Boeing designed and built/build both the F-15 and the F/A-18 interestingly enough.
>>30073932
And Northrop designed the YF-17 Cobra which the F-18 was heavily based upon.
>>30073963
yup. wonder if the Super Hornet and the Eagle divisions at Boeing ever have like gang fights in the parking lot or something.
>>30073204
No one is buying F15's anymore - unless they are sustaining or supplimenting an existing fleet.
Super hornet is pretty cheap and has guarenteed support and training from the US for the forseeable future.
Nations who buy foreign aircraft generally fall into one of 5 categories.
1 - 2nd hand western planes
2 - Russian aircraft
3 - Mid life Western
4 - Eurocannards
5 - F35
1 and 2 aren't meant to be in any sort of order, but the rest mostly depends on how big your budget is. (and if you're friendly with the right people)
Boeing are getting pretty desperate with their super duper hornet and eagle versions
They got absolutely anally devastated by Lockheed which has both 5th gen contracts
>>30073204
the Swiss fly the Hornet because it can use a shorter runway. Hornet does same job as F-16, but has a better radar.