Article Posted on : - Feb 27, 2010

A file photo of USS Carl Vinson

RIO DE JANERIO (AFP): The arrival of a giant US aircraft carrier here with F/A-18 jet fighters aboard is a step in Washington's offensive to win a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply Brazil's air force with modern jet fighters

US Rear Admiral Ted Branch told reporters on Saturday that the visit of the USS Carl Vinson is aimed at improving ties with the Brazilian navy following mercy operations in quake-stricken Haiti, and work with Brazilian personnel from the UN peacekeeping force in that country.

However, the presence of the nuclear powered craft and the Super Hornet fighters on its deck, along with Boeing representatives on land, are a clear sign of a US push to convince Brazil to buy the US-made planes.

Brazil's air force is seeking to buy 36 new jet fighters, and will choose between three finalists: France's Rafale, a fighter made by Dassault; the Gripen NG jet from Sweden's Saab; and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from US group Boeing.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is seen as only having an outside chance against the French and Swedish planes because of past US refusal to allow Brazil to export aircraft using US technology.

Branch refused to compare the three fighters, but he did tell reporters that the F/A-18 was a "multi-role, combat proven, mainline combat fighter" that was a "very capable platform.”