One problem with the current state of organic adversary is that it's almost
all similar aircraft. As the Navy transitions to an all F-18 force, it'd be
beneficial to face other airframes in training ... something other than a
VCF F-18.

The A-4 makes a great BFM bogey, but it has its limitations as well. While
current doctrine discourages a merge to engage, it can happen. I'd like to
see an adversary that is a challenge to the effort to DISengage (Kfirs and
F-16s were formidable in that respect ... the A-4 wasn't). The Superbug has
a notable flaw in its inability to accelerate and leave a fight ... training
against other bugs or A-4's will not help the development of good tactical
technique in the most difficult of maneuvers.

My point is that ATSI doesn't seem to offer any fast movers (the Mig-29 ala
the novel would be nice) and the lack of such an aircraft would impact their
effectiveness. And the costs to train to and support such a jet are greater
than the A-4.

R / John