F-18 e/f for the airforce

[bradusa_2003]

Just was woundering why the airforce doesnt consider puchasing some f-18 superhornets to fill the gap in the f-15c/older f-16 models they are flying. Granted the aircrafts top speed and maybe range isnt as good as the F-15c it is better than the f-16's. To me anyway that would make sense sinc eit looks like only 200 F-22's are going to be built and it looks like most countries are backing out of the F-35 (jsf) which is going to make them more costly. I belive the F-18 e/f &f would fill the gap very well they could probably purchase up to 400 of them which would take care of most if not all their older fighters and add much more of a dual role that the f-15c. I know the superhornet is cheaper to maintain adn is already battle proven. Just woundering everyone thoughts.

[flywrite]

It would be interesting to hear their response to your idea, which I think is a good one.

I wonder if they're holding off on making new decisions, or changing previous ones, because of the Iraq war and budget constraints. Maybe they're not sure what's going to happen with regard to near-future budgets and near-future military needs, especially with the Iran situation heating up.

[bradusa_2003]

I am not really sure. It may be those factors I agree with more money need to go into the ground forces right now but I am also not a big fan of letting our air power get obsolete, granted I think for a few years we will still be able to remain dominant with the aircraft that we have now but only for a few years, I think Iran if there is going to be a conflict there and I really think its headed that way has upgraded MIG-29's which are as capable as our F-15's in the right hands, I am not sure how good Iranian pilots are or their air defenses I do believe we have a wing of F-22's that are combat ready if needed so that I am sure can equal that out along with the Iranian F-14's. But you may be correct about why they are holding off. It could also be the the F-18 e/f &f are Navy planes and you know how the airforce is about that the JSF I think could get the job done although I am not a fan of single engine jets I just think the F-18 Superhornet is more cost effective for us now and does a really good job which superises me I wasnt a huge fan when it first came out but hearing discussions in other boards and even from some F-14 fans I have changed my mind it a really good aircraft probably the most underratted of all the new ones. But yes your right it will be interesting to hear the responses.