Super Hornet for Kuwait

What to you sell an existing classic F-18 customer that wants a replacement?

Bigger Hornets.

As noted over on Solomon's blog, Kuwait will buy 28 Super Hornets.

Not counting the G variant, the foreign user-base of this aircraft will more than double.

It should be an easy transition from their classic F-18s. Aircrew training for upgrade won't take all that long.

The maintenance of the aircraft will be different, but not too different. There are routine U.S. contracts for classic F-18 Kuwait sustainment. Expect the same to continue.

The capabilities of the new aircraft will be dramatic. Two notes though on flight performance. The Super is more departure resistant that the classic and easier to fly. It is also slower than the aircraft being replaced.

It will be interesting to see how Kuwait's Hornet doctrine changes.

This will also open up Kuwait to the possibility of conformal fuel tanks, IRST, and other tricks coming down the upgrade spiral for the Super.

The Super Hornet is also superior to any fake claims of F-35 ability.

There shouldn't be any worry with no F-35s to any additional customers in this region because the Super, in comparison, is a real combat aircraft that is more lethal, more survivable, more sustainable and more affordable.

Note how many potential F-35 customers can be erased from this chart presented back in 2007. Ponzi-schemes eventually do, collapse.

That is an easy discussion for any Boeing sales-force person to have with a potential customer.

As an alternate emergency divert field for local U.S. carrier options, Kuwait will have even more significant value in the future.