Crusader53
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Crusader....buddy.....some questions:
1. When did USA offer F-35 to India for MRCA?
2. When is F-35 really entering service? I mean....really! And when will any orders other than those of partner nations be catered to? Any dates?
3. How much is it costing? We know the Rafale cost....how much extra are you talking for a difference of 0.25 generation maybe?
4. How do you know that it will beat Rafale handsdown in A2A combat? Have they flown any exercises together? From what I have heard, Rafale was more than a match for even F-22 in close combat...so from that logic, F-35 is better than Raptor?
5. When has USA ever allowed a purchaser to tinker with American hardware? I am sure a TOT will be needed to make sure that does not happen. Then how will this "technology" be of any use to AMCA or AURA or even LCA?
I do feel the discussion will be moot after your answer to my first question itself.
1.) The US has made it very clear that the F-35 is available to the Indian Government.
2.) The F-35 is currently in Service with two Training Squadrons (F-35A's & F-35B's) at Eglin AFB in Florida. Which, will be followed shortly by the third. (F-35C's) In addition the first F-35B Squadron (USMC) is forming right now in California. As a matter of fact the first aircraft has already been delivered. To be followed by the rest over the next several months.
3.) Cost at this stage is very hard to come by. As we hear all kinds of numbers from high to low. That said, the initial numbers look promising. As it is cheaper than the F-22 or Typhoon at a similar stage of Development. Also, the F-35 will be made is "VAST" numbers. Which, is a big factor in unit cost. My "guess" is the F-35 will cost very near the Typhoon and Rafale when all is said in done. Yet, much cheaper than the F-22, PAK-FA, or J-20.
4.) The F-35 except for High Super Cruise will be very similar in performance to the F-22. As several Raptor Test Pilots have stated time and time again. (flying both) As for the Rafale matching the F-22 and/or F-35 WVR. I have seen nothing to support such a claim. Nor is it even likely the Rafale or any Generation 4/4.5 Generation Fighter is even likely to make it to the "merge". I remember the F-15 Pilot telling how he never even saw the F-22's until one flew over his head! Also, let's not forget the F-22 and even more so the F-35 have unrivaled Situational Awareness. Which, combined with Stealth is going to be a game changer. Just like Jets were to Propeller Airplanes.
5.) Every country that exports in "Military Hardware" has restrictions. Which, is to protect it's Intellectual Property. Such restriction help prevent 3rd Partys from gaining access to our Technology. I am sure India wasn't so happy when Russia sold much of the same hardware to China that it does to India.