this engine is the breakthrough required to make this jet the total package..IMHO it needs this for four reasons..
1. to exit battlefield at high speed when munitions are spent or to remain in battlefield knowing it has evasive power..current top speed of mach 1.2 is very tardy
2. to compensate for its poor aerodynamics with power.. turn harder at higher speed..execute evasion of incoming enemy Air to Air or Surface to Air missiles...current top speed and average aero make it a sitting duck if stealth fails
3. Launching Air to Air is more effective at higher speed.. launching at mach 1.4-1.5 will give the Air to air more range..which will be critical in BVR combat
4. Flying range.. with the advent engine the aussie air force can project further for longer..critical with our long borders and open seas...the engine will be able to super cruise like a passenger jet sipping fuel until the pilot requires boost
Tony Abbott please do not take delivery of this with the Pratt & Whittney pup of an engine...
