Slater

Is this projected paint scheme otherwise identical to the current F-15C scheme? https://www.janes.com/article/84839/qatar-to-receive-first-f-15qas-in-early-2019

USAF used a bewildering variety of CBU's in Vietnam. Some worked as advertised and some didn't. At war's end (and afterwards) relatively few types survived as standard inventory items.

US Air Force E-3's have been incrementally upgraded over the years (primarily electronics) and new engines have been considered. But there doesn't appear to be an E-3 replacement on the horizon, and USAF doesn't appear to be overly concerned. Given that prehistoric B-52's continue to serve, I suppose that's understandable.

Apparently Miniguns are standard fit on UK Chinooks?

There appears to be a "Block II" CH-47 in development that features swept-tip rotor blades, uprated engine and transmission, better avionics, etc. In fact, the first few EMD examples seem to be currently in final assembly at Boeing. The Block II program looks to be on budgetary thin ice, though. US Army wants to reprogram money for it's future rotorcraft programs. Given the Army's recent history in big-ticket items, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Doesn't indicate what variant is involved, only an "Extended Range" type: http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/uk_18-40.pdf

The prospect of handing another major contract to Boeing (so soon after the P-8 award) seems to be generating considerable heartburn. I'm not sure how much commonality is shared between Poseidon and Wedgetail, but both being 737 airframes you would think that there would be at least some. Which would have some positive logistics/support implications.

The RAF appears to be taking some heat for looking to Wedgetail as the preferred solution, and not giving consideration to the Airbus/SAAB A330 option (although this is just on paper at present).

The 3-color desert pattern was used extensively.

Looking at this presentation, the US seems fairly attached to the 30x173mm: https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2018/armament/Gonzalez.pdf

I take it that naval gun barrels (or possibly the entire guns) are US sourced?

IIRC, the US M777 155mm towed howitzer is a UK design, as is the current 105mm howitzer. If it hadn't been for the NIH syndrome, US infantry would have been equipped with the FN FAL rifle instead of the M14.

Well, a Boeing/SAAB team won the USAF trainer award, although I'm not sure how much workshare SAAB will actually get.

From the same website: "GD submitted an offering that combines a version of its latest Abrams turret with a chassis that leverages experience from the United Kingdom’s AJAX program." An Abrams turret on an Ajax chassis? Presumably this is an enlarged/strengthened chassis?

Interesting, but I'm not sure what their chances of success are: https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/08/raytheon-rheinmetall-partner-to-offer-new-lynx-fighting-vehicle-to-us-army/

Presumably it was also designed with an eye toward the light attack role?

Designing a clean-sheet-of-paper aircraft these days is obscenely expensive, so one wonders how Boeing kept the price down.

In the category of "what if" - What if the Wedgetail was adopted by the UK? Would any UK-specific modifications add a substantial amount to the overall cost, or would very little modification be required?

USAF's E-3's are pretty much antiques also. Wonder if Wedgetail would be a viable replacement?

Not sure that the USN ever used the GBU-8 (EOGB). They mainly employed the AGM-62 Walleye.

Seems to be inching closer to reality: https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2018/10/02/britain-confirms-talks-with-boeing-over-potential-26b-wedgetail-aircraft-buy/

Heck, my money was on the Lockheed T-50: https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/09/27/reuters-air-force-awards-9b-contract-to-boeing-for-next-training-jet/

Does this cover all currently installed systems? http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/uk_18-37.pdf

India operates the P-8i Neptune, but I suppose they wouldn't mind sharing

Possibly the standard USN paint scheme? http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/korea_18-34.pdf