Capt.Popeye
ELITE MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2010
- Messages
- 11,937
- Reaction score
- 12
I have some doubts on that, we basically increase the capability, but not the numbers! MTA will be clearly more capable than the AN 32 it will replace, but therefor we will order also way less numbers. C17 will be more capable than the IL 76, but we will remain with similar numbers as well, while imo not the higher capability would be important, but higher numbers. IAF has not the need to carry huge payloads to strategic distances (US, or Europe to Afghanistan for example) and so far I never saw that the range, or the payload capability of the IL 76 was a problem for them. So a smaller aircraft then the C17, with similar capabilities (latest avionics, reliable quality of systems, no spare problems, short take off and landing), but in higher numbers would have been the better choice for our needs, then IAF would be a more efficient air power.
I'll try to KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) the topic. The new aircraft will bring increased efficiency. How??
The new generation aircraft have greater utilisation factors, better serviceability, reduced turnaround time and much better use of existing facilities, which you might be willing to concede.
The planned induction (in the near term) is intended to supplement , not replace existing assets. Nobody can afford to do that.
However the longer term picture will be different; as the older assets age out of service, supplementary acquisition will take place--THESE ARE NOT THE FINAL NUMBERS. In the meantime the first batches will have been successfully integrated in to the system. That is the road-map into the future.
Specifically about the C-17, it is a "well proven and matured design" (like the C-130). There is no substitute for it. Any others that you may care to suggest do not (as yet) possess those attributes.
And in the future, the IAF will not need (sic) to fly men and material within the country. A longer reach will be required, that will scarcely be the time for the IAF to scramble about to try and cobble together that capability.
(n.b.. read up about "Op Cactus", esp the air-lift aspects)