I remember this but I don't think that the F/A 18 was ever a serious contender. However:
The government may have 'leaked' to some in the media that the deal was going to be for F/A 18s purely as a negotiating tactic with their preferred suppliers.
At some stage Boeing may have said the deal was as good as done. This would have enabled them to impress other buyers and their own shareholders.
Ultimately though, the SAAB plane was a better deal, easier to maintain, with technology transfer and perfectly suited to the needs of Brazil. Whereas the F/A 18 was 'better at dogfights' (which haven't happened since the 1960's) and the French bid was expensive.
The deal is not actually a bad one for USA Inc. as the avionics on the SAAB are mostly American.
Makes me wonder why the US is so cavalier about selling top end warplanes to weird foreign countries like Saudi Arabia. Perhaps it's because they can't stand up to unmanned aircraft.
Comments
I remember this but I don't think that the F/A 18 was ever a serious contender. However:
The government may have 'leaked' to some in the media that the deal was going to be for F/A 18s purely as a negotiating tactic with their preferred suppliers.
At some stage Boeing may have said the deal was as good as done. This would have enabled them to impress other buyers and their own shareholders.
Ultimately though, the SAAB plane was a better deal, easier to maintain, with technology transfer and perfectly suited to the needs of Brazil. Whereas the F/A 18 was 'better at dogfights' (which haven't happened since the 1960's) and the French bid was expensive.
The deal is not actually a bad one for USA Inc. as the avionics on the SAAB are mostly American.
For this jet, only the engine are from USA
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2013/12/1388826-saab-quer...
Makes me wonder why the US is so cavalier about selling top end warplanes to weird foreign countries like Saudi Arabia. Perhaps it's because they can't stand up to unmanned aircraft.
Global Issues has an interesting article with some good linked resources on how much money is spent and by whom.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/74/the-arms-trade-is-big...