Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Facing Competition From Dassault Rafale And Saab Gripen NG
The U.S. Government hopes Brazil will enter into a
multi-billion dollar contract to purchase F/A-18 Hornets when it
buys 36 new fighter jets, and some see the arrival of the U.S.S
Carl Vinson (file photo, right) in Rio de Janeiro as a tactic to
convince the Brazilian government that the Hornet is the best plane
for them to buy.
The aircraft carrier is officially in Brazil to improve ties
with the Brazilian Navy, according to U.S. Rear Admiral Ted Branch.
The carrier has been deployed in relief efforts for Haiti following
January's devastating earthquake.
But the fact that the carrier arrived with Boeing
representatives on board have some saying the visit is a sign of a
U.S. push to convince Brazil to buy its airplanes.
The international news service AFP reports that the Hornet is
considered a long shot for the Brazilian Air Force, because the
U.S. has in the past refused to allow that country to export
airplanes employing U.S. technology.
Brazil is also considering the French Dassault Rafale and the
Swedish Saab Gripen NG. Brazilian Air Force General Juniti Saito
said last week that Brazil is expected to name the winner by the
end of March, but would not give a date certain.
F/A 18 Super Hornet
The choice, Saito said would be a "political and strategic
decision" made by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The
Brazilian Air Force in the process of conducting a technical
evaluation of the three bids.
Sources say President Lula is leaning towards the Rafale,
because France has said it will give Brazil access to all the
technology that goes into the airplane. Brazil reportedly would
like to be able to manufacture its own fighter jets. But another
source says the Air Force has indicated it actually prefers the
less-expensive Gripen NG jet.
More News
Decision Altitude (DA) A specified altitude (mean sea level (MSL)) on an instrument approach procedure (ILS, GLS, vertically guided RNAV) at which the pilot must decide whether to >[...]
Aero Linx: T-34 Association, Inc. The T-34 Association was formed in July 1975 so that individuals purchasing then military surplus T-34As had an organization which would provide s>[...]
As He Released The Brakes To Begin Taxiing, The Brake Pedals Went To The Floor With No Braking Action Analysis: The pilot reported that during engine start up, he applied the brake>[...]
“Legislation like the Mental Health in Aviation Act is still imperative to hold the FAA accountable for the changes they clearly acknowledge need to be made... We cannot wait>[...]
Also: IAE Acquires Diamond Trainers, Army Drones, FedEx Pilots Warning, DA62 MPP To Dresden Tech Uni The danger to the flight training industry and our future pilots is clear. Dona>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.08.25): Decision Altitude (DA)
See All