Saw something interesting at YEG today...

Golden Flyer · Post by **Golden Flyer** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:30 am

Boeing Completes First Phase of CF-18 Aircraft Modernization Project
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 31, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the 80th modernized CF-18 aircraft to the Canadian Department of National Defence during a ceremony at L-3 Communications MAS in Mirabel, Quebec. The delivery marks the completion of Phase I of the CF-18 Modernization Project.

Canada awarded Boeing the first phase of the US$436 million project in April 2001, followed by Phase II, valued at US$135 million, in February 2005. Boeing selected L-3 Communications MAS as its prime sub-contractor to install several new systems throughout both phases.

"Canada was the Hornet's first international customer, purchasing 138 A- and B-model Hornets beginning in 1982," said Al DeQuetteville, vice president of Boeing in Canada. "Twenty-four years after the first CF-18 delivery, we are delivering the 80th modernized CF-18 aircraft, on time and on budget, as promised. Our demonstrated commitment to cost, schedule and quality sets the stage for critical Phase II activities as well as other potential opportunities for Boeing products in Canada."

Phase I upgrades include improved communications and navigation capabilities, including a state-of-the-art mission system, a NATO-compatible radar system, a stores management system for weapon system and associated equipment controls, and a combined interrogator/transponder system that ensures allies can easily recognize Canadian CF-18 aircraft.

The second phase, due for completion in 2009, adds a data link system, a helmet mounted sight system, color cockpit displays, and a chaff and flare dispensing electronic warfare system.

Boeing has been a major contributor and vital partner to the Canadian economy for nearly 90 years. Boeing recognizes the breadth and depth of the Canadian aerospace industry, consistently placing substantial amounts of work generated by its Canadian facilities in Winnipeg, Richmond and Montreal. More than 200 Boeing partners across Canada benefit from the company's commercial and defense contracts, earning an average of US$600 million every year. As a result, Canada is Boeing's third-largest supplier network worldwide. Today, Boeing operations and supplier partnerships continue to generate approximately CDN$1 billion annually.

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/200 ... 1a_nr.html

Slappy the Squirrel · Post by **Slappy the Squirrel** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:04 am

slowstream wrote:Slappy,

Fair enough but your still missing the point

I guess I am missing the point. I don't see how a loud plane flying around honours soldiers in all honesty. Why not honour them by spending money to make the country they fought for better? Don't get me wrong though, CF-18's are pretty sweet, they just are a very expensive sweet for the situation.

Dockjock · Post by **Dockjock** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:32 am

Still you're not getting it, bud.
Just like all pilots, hornet pilots need to keep current. They already make do with scant little flying per year. Practicing formation flying and escorting transports is part of keeping current and keeping sharp. They can either launch a herc from Cold Lake and fly in circles to do it, or kill two birds with one stone and do it while honouring our troops returning home from battle.
With regards to health care spending, I'd rather they take that money from cigarette taxes, not from the military. But that's just me.

slowstream · Post by **slowstream** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:21 pm

Slappy,

Sorry man, I don't mean to laugh at you but have you ever been called "Thick" in your lifetime?

Have you never done something nice for your wife/better half just because? Or done something nice or special for someone who went out of their way for you? Same thing bud.

gonfly'n · Post by **gonfly'n** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:55 pm

Welcome home to all the soldiers! You cannot put a price tag on the bravery and sacrafice them boys made over in afghanistan, a most excellent way to welcome the troops home.

DA900 · Post by **DA900** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:12 pm

I am Birddog wrote:
DA900 wrote:
Slappy the Squirrel wrote:Honouring the soldiers in all, it is still a waste of money to have a couple of F-18's flying around for no reason. I think we could find a cheaper way to honour them. But oh well, I guess the need for the military to feel all warm and fuzzy about itself is more important then healthcare!

Hey Layton go hug a tree you bleeding heart hippie!
I don't think you'd be saying that if it were you in need of a bed or your father died of cancer because he had to wait for treatment and never got it.

Common bro...you're better than that.

Wow BD what a great post. You have out done your self again.

Slappy the Squirrel · Post by **Slappy the Squirrel** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:30 pm

Dockjock wrote:Still you're not getting it, bud.
Just like all pilots, hornet pilots need to keep current. They already make do with scant little flying per year. Practicing formation flying and escorting transports is part of keeping current and keeping sharp. They can either launch a herc from Cold Lake and fly in circles to do it, or kill two birds with one stone and do it while honouring our troops returning home from battle.
With regards to health care spending, I'd rather they take that money from cigarette taxes, not from the military. But that's just me.

You make a good point there bud, that was money well spent if it was indeed for currency. And you're right, taxing cigarettes is a better way to save money. Very educated response

07Canucks · Post by **07Canucks** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:34 pm

Actually, the f18's arent only honoring the troops, its a NORAD monitored exercise on intercepting a possible hijacked airliner. They are being tested on how fast they can react, intercept the aircraft, then escort it to an airport.

FL410 · Post by **FL410** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:55 pm

The second phase, due for completion in 2009, adds a data link system, a helmet mounted sight system, color cockpit displays, and a chaff and flare dispensing electronic warfare system.

They didn't have that?!

Spokes · Post by **Spokes** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:08 pm

FL410 wrote:
The second phase, due for completion in 2009, adds a data link system, a helmet mounted sight system, color cockpit displays, and a chaff and flare dispensing electronic warfare system.
They didn't have that?!

Yes, they did have these things. My guess would be that this was part of an overall upgrade to the aircraft self protection suite. These dispensers normally interface with the radar warning receivers, and missile approach warning system. which I suspect would also be upgraded.

yodan · Post by **yodan** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:40 pm

Slappy the Squirrel,

Let me make it clear to you: your post PISSED OFF a whole bunch of people including myself who is of age of people who in fact paid so you can have the freedon to write these stupid posts.

It is evident that you will NEVER get the brilliant messageS from previous posters, so do yourself and all of us a favour and don't post anything else on this thread...In other words F*CK OFF. Is that clear enough??

Moron!!!

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:43 am

yodan, it's the Jack Layton simplistic mindset at work.

These guys are creatures of social engineering at its finest.

Arguing with the brainwashed is sort of like arguing with the talaban.

slowstream · Post by **slowstream** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:15 am

DD,

Thanks, I think and hope your right, because every time I see and hear Layton I want to exercise my freedom to go and kick his fuckin bald ass!

Dust Devil · Post by **Dust Devil** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:35 am

slowstream wrote:Cat Driver,

I have seen you make some questionable remarks in the past but that one absolutely takes the cake!

Have you completely become a B.C tree hugging, hippie?

Well at least some of us know how to thank a vet and soldier for our freedoms, like the freedom of speech so we can listen to JAGOFF’S like you spout your hippie mentality………..as difficult as that is for us. We understand it’s a freedom; it’s just hard and sad to believe that some of the young people on this sight actually look up to you as a role model.

I think you may have miss read Cat

I think he is actually supporting our troops and just agreeing with yodan

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:42 am

Exactly.

slowstream · Post by **slowstream** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:45 am

Sorry Cat!

Check my edited post.

Too early I guess...........for my brain

Rockie · Post by **Rockie** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:55 am

Slappy the Squirrel wrote:Honouring the soldiers in all, it is still a waste of money to have a couple of F-18's flying around for no reason. I think we could find a cheaper way to honour them. But oh well, I guess the need for the military to feel all warm and fuzzy about itself is more important then healthcare!

In a previous life I attended memorial services for friends who died in the service of their country. The conclusion of each service was a four plane missing man flypast in honour of those who died. Honouring returning soldiers with a fighter escort back to their families is the absolute least, and I mean least, that we can do for them. These families said goodbye to their loved ones, for all they knew for the very last time, as they left to defend you in a far off land just as Canadian soldiers have in previous conflicts. And you think honouring them is a waste of money and meant only to make the military feel all warm and fuzzy about themselves?

That is the kind of offensive and ignorant comment that can only come from someone who has never known fear and violence, and has no appreciation for those who do the hard work of defending their coddled, safe way of life.

I encourage you to go to the next remembrance day ceremony and speak to some of the people who have put themselves in harms way to defend your right to spout garbage like that.