Israel getting the F-15's it always wanted!

Thanks to William for the link!

via Flight Global

In a surprise move, Rice added to the F-15E to the mix of weapon systems on the agenda for the 10-year aid package, perhaps reducing funds available to purchase Israel’s planned complement of 75 F-35I Adirs.
“This additional funding will allow Israel to update the lion’s share of its fighter aircraft fleet, including the acquisition of additional F-35s and F-15s,” she says.
Boeing referred questions about the agreement to the US and Israeli air forces, who were not immediately available for comment.

The reality is there for all to see.  The Israelis are buying the F-35 but they're hardly sold on it.

I mean seriously!  If the F-35 was so darn capable and affordable then why buy the F-15?

The truth is obvious if you're willing to accept it.

RAF Odiham's CH-47s on display (pic heavy)

Open Comment Post. Sept 15, 2016.

Combat: "Kill Or Be Killed" 1943 War Department

Campy but cool. A serious mix of propaganda, over the top patriotism and training.

I wonder.  We know what the societal norms (and disgraces) were of this time period.  How are today's societal norms going to affect the force going into the future. Society is getting softer and softer.  We're choosing to make our military softer and softer.  Are we approaching a point where we MUST rely on technological superiority because we reach a point where man for man the enemy Marine or Soldier is superior?

BAE's M-8 Expeditionary Light Tank @ Ft Benning Expo

Atom 8X8 Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle Simulation

Ignoring the fact that Renault Defense is involved in this project, is it just me or does this vehicle have the look of being a VBCI clone?  Form follows function!  But still....this rig definitely shares the bloodline.

British Army's "Centenary Of The Tank" special!

The British Army has a web page covering 100 years of British tanks.  Its definitely worth a read and the few videos they have up are a nice watch.  Check it out here.

Farmer in Zimbabwe finds MASSIVE rock python under the hood of his truck.

JESUS H. CHRIST!

Story and video of this demonic animal that was obviously created on another planet and sent to earth to freaking terrorize the LIVING FUCK outta me is here.

The craziest thing?

The fucking farmer put the animal back into the "bush"....I guess they don't live by the adage of "if you see a snake you kill a snake" but maybe they should!

I mean seriously the beast was well over 8 ft long and they let it live? People in Zimbabwe are as crazy as the bastards in Australia!

Combat School: Reinforced Rifle Platoon in the Attack of a Built-Up Area 1953 US Army Training Film

Where will up-gunning of IFV's end?

The above vehicle is a DARDO IFV mounting a 60mm gun.  The vehicles below are other examples of IMI's gun being mounted on APC/IFVs and even its service on Israeli Sherman Tanks at the end of their useful life.

This will be quick and dirty.

The US Army has jumped on the bandwagon of up-gunning and will put a 30mm gun on its Strykers.  The USMC was all about it with the EFV and planned a 30mm cannon for use on that vehicle.  The Brits are taking it to a new place and are going with a 40mm cannon for its Warrior and Scout IFVs.  The French not to be left behind are doing the same with its Scorpion Project...and finally the Russians are about to take it to the house with a potential 57mm gun on its Boomerang IFV.

But we've been here before.  "Back in the day" IMI developed a 60mm hypervelocity gun that performed well but didn't remain in service long.  Which brings me to the question of the day.  Where will up-gunning of IFVs end?  How much gun is enough to handle anti-personnel/light vehicle tasks?

I stand by my belief that 30mm is the sweet spot and anything bigger cuts down on your engagement capability and will cause crews to hunt for bear (tanks) when they should be killing rabbits (IFV/APC/Logistics Vehicles/Infantry).

What do you think?  Have planners gone too far, demanded too much and ignored the practical limitations of heavy medium weight cannon fire on the modern battlefield?

Open Comment Post. Sept 14, 2016.

"War Is A Racket" By Maj. Gen. Smedley D. Butler (vid)

Hat Tip to Defense & Freedom Blog!