4 corners tonight shed light on what planes we have bought for $6.6 bill - they are the 'gap' planes till we get our order filled for the new ones (in the aviation industry, new models are always behind schedule & the price blows out - in this case, double so far) - they have effectively replaced the F1-11's, which accordiing to some, had no need for retirement as they are still ideal for air superiority in our neighbourhood - replacement parts, which are plentiful & in good order have been simply stored
the 'gap' planes are the super hornets which one american military analyst described as being the runt in the litter - most of our neighbours, particularly indonesia have invested in a russian model that is faster, goes higher & turns better than the super hornet - it is about half the price & possibly twice as good as our lot
robert hill bypassed normal procedures of scrutiny etc to purchase these planes
