Quote:
Originally Posted by TLAM Strike
First the Rapier is rubbish, it not much more capable than a Stinger. Its a great missile for when the enemy is already bombing you.
The PAAMS on the Type 45 has a range of about 60 miles meaning it can cover either the north or south side of one of the Falklands. The enemy can always land on the side its not guarding.
Only four Typhoons really limits how many Argentines they can shoot down. If the enemy is smart they will force the Typhoons to attack several waves of fighters first depleting their missiles.
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How many dozens or hundreds of aircraft with enough skilled pilots do you suppose they have?
Not official (view via internet numbers but front line aircraft and wholly committed pilots).
If the balloon went up and a few troop carrying planes were 'downed' I should imagine the initial troop eagerness/morale would quickly dinintegrate.
They weren't too keen on meeting British infantrymen up real close in 82 as I recall.
Another point....those aircraft that survived the first wave would probably find their home airfields inoperable on their return so it is not beyond reasonable imagination to doubt a second wave would be forthcoming.
A further point...I strongly suspect the US would be passing on plenty of satellite intel to us and perhaps even an AWAC or two on 'routine patrol'.
The bottom line being...there are a lot more assetts there than a 20 man marine detachment this time.