SAAF in favour of common cockpits
Date: 27 October 1999
The SA Air Force says it is keen to retire its old fighter platforms in order to achieve a common cockpit design.
The Ministry of Defence has also come out in favour of the concept, that will see South Africa's new generation medium fighters (JAS39 Gripen) share a common cockpit with its lead-in fighter trainers (Hawk LIFTs) and its basic trainers (Pilatus Astra).
The SAAF is also said to be considering the phasing-out of its Boeing 707 aerial refuelling/cargo/electronic warfare fleet, despite the loss of attendant capabilities. Cost seems to be the major driver behind the move. The SAAF is known to be in a budget squeeze, with hardly enough money to maintain its fleet.
Defence Systems Daily
