p2prada
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MMRCA news and discussions.
- Thread starter nitesh
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J
John
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well Rafale's rcs is not revealed and superhornet's rcs is still classified all these figures with rcs is useless coz none of us know the actual figures. SH's cieling is said to be over 50,000 ft+, we dont know how much more it really is. only LGBs can hit moving targets...haha SLAM/ER, JSOW/ER, SDB can also hit moving targets and they are not really Laser guided. yes it will be the Aim-120 that hits the target and yes the Aim-120D is still double the firing range of the aim-120 c-7 which has a range of around 120km, now if the Aim-120D has a range of over 200km fired with super cruise it can still be fired from the SH at ranges over 160km, now even if it is fired from ranges over 140km, the target is a sure kill because the missile has no-escape zone of over 150km. The SH, the worst in wvr?? with its helmet's ability to point over 83 FOV degrees in all direction and fire is much better than the Rafale's helmet 23 degrees FOV, the pilot in the SH points and fires the Rafale is dead. the USN operates old superhornet which indeed had a lot of bugs, but block 2+ has no problems, we wont have any problems when we buy it.
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p2prada
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Off course. So, the less than 1m2 RCS came out of where??
Please dont compare the RCS of EF or Rafale with an all metal bird. It makes you sound like a........
LOL. So, suddenly the SH gets a boost. SH and Hornet have a ceiling of 15000m. The "over" is quoted from wikipedia by some internet fanboy.
F/A-18 Hornet
Scroll down you will find that the SH has a ceiling of 13,845m at MTOW.
Any cruise missile or guided weapon can hit a moving target. Equivalents are Storm Shadow with the English and French and Delilah with Israelis. The Americans are not aliens.
LOL. I don't want to burst your bubble.
Congratulations. So, the US decided to finally employ the 80s technology in combat. Probably their first operational HMS enabled missile. Something the French had since a decade and the Russians and Indians since 2 decades.
The Rafale wont even need the MBDA MICA-IR to take out the SH. Cannons will be enough.
You made it up. Don't deny it. In Europe nobody wants the AIM-9X and the AIM-120D. They say it sucks and has not kept up with time. All European JSF's will carry Meteor and AIM-132 as their primary A2A missiles. They are all willing to pay a million bucks for the Meteor than pay half that for the AIM-120D. American weapons were good when there was no competition. Expect a lot of A2G munitions made all around the world that will rival or surpass the Americans in the next 10 years.
Nope. The design flaws are not going anywhere. The USN received SH with bugs and so will the IAF.
J
John
Guest
yeah right as if the Aussies didn't know about these problems when they ordered, all bugs have been fixed and Australia will get the first batch of the new bug free super bug.
Topsight/TopNight
The French thrust vectoring Matra MBDA MICA missile for its Rafale and late model Mirage 2000 fighters was accompanied by the Topsight HMD by Sextant Avionique. TopSight provides a 20 degree FoV for the pilot's right eye, and calligraphic symbology generated from target and aircraft parameters. Electromagnetic position sensing is employed. The Topsight helmet uses an integral embedded design, and its contoured shape is designed to provide the pilot with a wholly unobstructed field of view.
TopNight, a Topsight derivative, is designed specifically for adverse weather and night air to ground operations, employing more complex optics to project infrared imagery overlaid with symbology.
sorry i was wrong its not 23 degrees its 20. and SH has 80 degrees
JHMCS is a derivative of the DASH III and the Kaiser Agile Eye HMDs, and was developed by Vision Systems International (VSI), a joint venture company formed by Rockwell Collins, Elbit and Kaiser Electronics. Boeing integrated the system into the F/A-18 and began low-rate initial production delivery in fiscal year 2002. JHMCS is employed in the F/A-18C/D/E/F, F-15C/D, and F-16 Block 40/50 with a design that is 95% common to all platforms.
Unlike the DASH, which is integrated into the helmet itself, JHMCS assemblies attach to modified HGU-55/P, HGU-56/P or HGU-68/P helmets. JHMCS employs a newer, faster digital processing package, but retains the same type of electromagnetic position sensing as the DASH. The CRT package is more capable, but remains limited to monochrome presentation of calligraphic symbology. JHMCS provides support for raster scanned imagery to display FLIR/IRST pictures for night operations and provides collimated symbology and imagery to the pilot. The integration of the night-vision goggles with the JHMCS was a key requirement of the program.
When combined with the AIM-9X, an advanced short-range dogfight weapon that employs a Focal Plane Array seeker and a thrust vectoring tail control package, JHMCS allows effective target designation up to 80 degrees either side of the aircraft's nose.
Topsight/TopNight
The French thrust vectoring Matra MBDA MICA missile for its Rafale and late model Mirage 2000 fighters was accompanied by the Topsight HMD by Sextant Avionique. TopSight provides a 20 degree FoV for the pilot's right eye, and calligraphic symbology generated from target and aircraft parameters. Electromagnetic position sensing is employed. The Topsight helmet uses an integral embedded design, and its contoured shape is designed to provide the pilot with a wholly unobstructed field of view.
TopNight, a Topsight derivative, is designed specifically for adverse weather and night air to ground operations, employing more complex optics to project infrared imagery overlaid with symbology.
sorry i was wrong its not 23 degrees its 20. and SH has 80 degrees
JHMCS is a derivative of the DASH III and the Kaiser Agile Eye HMDs, and was developed by Vision Systems International (VSI), a joint venture company formed by Rockwell Collins, Elbit and Kaiser Electronics. Boeing integrated the system into the F/A-18 and began low-rate initial production delivery in fiscal year 2002. JHMCS is employed in the F/A-18C/D/E/F, F-15C/D, and F-16 Block 40/50 with a design that is 95% common to all platforms.
Unlike the DASH, which is integrated into the helmet itself, JHMCS assemblies attach to modified HGU-55/P, HGU-56/P or HGU-68/P helmets. JHMCS employs a newer, faster digital processing package, but retains the same type of electromagnetic position sensing as the DASH. The CRT package is more capable, but remains limited to monochrome presentation of calligraphic symbology. JHMCS provides support for raster scanned imagery to display FLIR/IRST pictures for night operations and provides collimated symbology and imagery to the pilot. The integration of the night-vision goggles with the JHMCS was a key requirement of the program.
When combined with the AIM-9X, an advanced short-range dogfight weapon that employs a Focal Plane Array seeker and a thrust vectoring tail control package, JHMCS allows effective target designation up to 80 degrees either side of the aircraft's nose.
J
John
Guest
if we are willing to pay a lot we might as well get the EF T-3 and if US clears SABR for sale, we can have it on the EF T-3, the Gripen NG or the F-16IN. Meteor though flight tested wont be ready before 2015, it goes on the EF, Gripen and i am sure can fitted on the SH and the F-16IN as well, god bless open architecture. armed with either RACR or SABR and meteor i am pretty sure no matter which 4.5 gen aircraft we flying against, they're pretty much dead. F-16IN comes with MATV, new engine, all Issy and US weapons, Meteor integration wont take any time and cheaper aircraft. it can carry 1500kgs of weapons and only on internal fuel can hit a target 1700 km away and get back without refueling, even the range is better than Rafale, now comes rcs, well Block 70 will indeed be stealthier than the Block 60 and LM is giving more RAM coatings, all this in a cheaper price tag. now with Meteor on the SH and its ability to carry 10 BVR missiles make it just as deadly and still SH is cheaper than the Rafale. problems with the SH have been known for a while and Boeing had to makes changes to get the Aussies on board.
so taking into account the SH's long range radar + 8 to 10 Meteors in a single sortie, its just point and shoot, no need for high and mighty thrust, we know the Meteor is a sure kill missile, so go for it on the SH and till it arrives we order the SH with limited Aim-120Ds, no harm in having both. Aim-120 D can be useful in killing a lot of 3rd gen aircraft that our enemies roll in. besides the SH now comes with a 20% increase in thrust and range. The charm of the Apg-79 is in its ability track sea skimming cruise missiles and effectively countering them and now since RACR is coming for the SH, its avionics got even better. now with new engine, apg-79 v-3, operational datalink, Meteor, Aim-120D, SDB, SLAM/ER, JSOW a/b/c, JDAM, LJDAM, JDAM-ER, Harpoon, CBU-105/97, AAGRM, all Paveways, the SH is still a better choice than the Rafale, if indeed we need longer range weapons we can get the Taurus KEPD which is already integrated on the f-18, Rafale doesn't have it. Scalp has lower range than the SLAM-ER which we be can ordered since its range is still below 300km. Delilah and Python-5 can be integrated on the SH, no problem.
so taking into account the SH's long range radar + 8 to 10 Meteors in a single sortie, its just point and shoot, no need for high and mighty thrust, we know the Meteor is a sure kill missile, so go for it on the SH and till it arrives we order the SH with limited Aim-120Ds, no harm in having both. Aim-120 D can be useful in killing a lot of 3rd gen aircraft that our enemies roll in. besides the SH now comes with a 20% increase in thrust and range. The charm of the Apg-79 is in its ability track sea skimming cruise missiles and effectively countering them and now since RACR is coming for the SH, its avionics got even better. now with new engine, apg-79 v-3, operational datalink, Meteor, Aim-120D, SDB, SLAM/ER, JSOW a/b/c, JDAM, LJDAM, JDAM-ER, Harpoon, CBU-105/97, AAGRM, all Paveways, the SH is still a better choice than the Rafale, if indeed we need longer range weapons we can get the Taurus KEPD which is already integrated on the f-18, Rafale doesn't have it. Scalp has lower range than the SLAM-ER which we be can ordered since its range is still below 300km. Delilah and Python-5 can be integrated on the SH, no problem.
p2prada
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They did know and they are complaining. The USN still haven't received all the SH's ordered. They are yet to get some and even those will have structural defects that cannot be corrected without pulling it all apart and redesigning the whole thing again.
The Aussies have said SH is a stop gap measure until the F-35 is inducted. After that they will be phasing out all the Hornets and SHs they have. One major reason for choosing the SH was interoperability with other Hornets without having to pay extra for infrastructure that comes with a new platform and then pay extra again for F-35s infrastructure. It will just suck to pay twice.
You are confused between 2 different things. The 20deg FOV is common to all HMSs around the world. The SH's off bore sight of 80deg is the missiles engagement area while the FOV is the limitations of the human eye calculated using the right eye. Even JHMCS's FOV is 20deg.
The French MICA-IR's missile engagement area is not easily available. But, its supposed to be far superior to any missile except the Python V and the MBDA ASRAAM. The French MICA is supposed to beat the AIM-9X by a long shot. The AIM-9X is the saddest WVR missile in the world today. The Americans built the AIM-9X to keep it cheap. That's the only reason they abandoned the ASRAAM project.
The AIM-9X carries the same seeker as the MBDA ASRAAM. But, the AIM-9X's range and maneuverability is inferior to the MBDA ASRAAM.
The great Americans needed Israeli help in developing the JHMCS.
Anyways a picture of comparison between the Russian R-73 and the new AIM-132.
p2prada
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I forgot to post this link. This shows the JHMCS to have a 20deg field of view for the right eye.
Vision Systems International - JHMCS
Vision Systems International - JHMCS
J
John
Guest
Asraam has an US made seeker. Mica if needed can be integrated on the SH too. Mica is like the best short range missile, its not even short range i mean with 60km range, its better than the Python-5 only in range, Python-5 am sure has a better hit rate. SH block 2+ wont have any design issues they all have been fixed.
J
John
Guest
..:: India Strategic ::.. INDIAN AIR FORCE
New Delhi. The Indian Air Force is set to begin the flight trials of the six US and European aircraft for India’s Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) competition from July and finish them by March 2010.
Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told India Strategic in an interview on the eve of the Paris Air Show that teams from the IAF’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore, were being deployed to test the competing aircraft within a tight schedule from the country of manufacture to within India at three places.
“Whether one or more aircraft are short-listed would depend upon the results of the comprehensive tests, and there would be a common template for all.”
He also disclosed that IAF had shortlisted the Boeing C 17 Globemaster III for its very Heavy Transport Aircraft (VHTAC) requirement, and that it was also considering more Lockheed Martin C 130Js in addition to the six already ordered.
Asked if the tanker deal for six Airbus 330 MRTT aircraft had been signed, he said that while the aircraft had been shortlisted, the proposal was with the MoD for procedural clearance and was yet to be signed. IAF already has six Il 78 midair refuelers, and the new orders are to augment the requirement.
Although the Il 76 aircraft has served the Indian Air force well, Russia does not make the Il 76/ 78 platform any more, and whether for AWACS or refueler requirement, old aircraft are refurbished and re-sold by Russia or Central Asian states which were part of the Soviet Union. Apparently, IAF has decided to choose new, and newer generation, aircraft for its various requirements.
Overall, Air Chief Marshal Naik said that IAF was on track to achieve its total transformation by 2020-25, by which time IAF should be spending around USD 100 billion on aircraft, systems, infrastructure, sensors, UAVs, missiles, training and related modernization programmes.
As for the combat fleet, be observed: “The IAF of the future, post-2025, would consist of FGFA (Fith Generation Fighter Aircraft), SU 30 MKIs, MRCAs and Tejas/ MCA (indigenous Medium Combat Aircraft) with multi-role as well as significant swing role capability.”
“They would employ advanced technologies, sensors and precision weapons. The larger aircraft, i.e. FGFA and SU 30 would focus on Air Dominance and specialise in similar roles in long ranges over land and sea, while the MRCAs would don a variety of medium-range and tactical roles. These assets would be capable of all weather, day and night attack with adequate self-protection capability…these assets would be immensely capable and are not going to be confined to the strictly stereotyped roles. They would carry out a number of roles in the same mission.”
Air Chief Marshal Naik, who assumed charge on May 31 from Air Chief Marshal F H Major (Retd), would be visiting the Paris Air Show along with top IAF officers to witness what new technologies are being introduced and displayed there by various aircraft manufacturers.
(Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju is expected there along with Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel).
The six aircraft in fray for the IAF requirement, including the French Rafale, would be on display at the air show. The others are EADS Eurofighter, US Lockeed Martin F 16, Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, Swedish Gripen and Russian Mig 35.
According to reliable sources, the Rafale was nearly out because its manufacturer, Dassault, had simply not filled in all the columns in the Indian RfP. There was some drama when the news leaked out, but after French diplomatic intervention, the Indian Ministry of Defence, which is the actual acquisition authority, allowed it to be back in the competition last month.
There was no comment however from the Air Chief, except to confirm that “all the six aircraft are in the competition.”
Giving details of the Field Evaluation Tests (FETs), he said that in the first round, Indian pilots would visit the country of manufacture of each aircraft to see the facilities; in the second round, two to three aircraft from each manufacturer would be flight tested in Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh; and in the third round, actual weapon firing tests would be held in the country of manufacture (or in another country as designated by the manufacturer – not all European countries have firing ranges).
There wold be a common leader but two or three different teams under him. The aircraft would go to Bangalore for “performance, systems and humidity trials, to Jaisalmer for hot weather and weapon trials, and to Leh for high altitude and cold weather trials.”
“The evaluations would be in sequence, one after the other, starting from Bangalore.”
Specifically, Air Chief Marshal Naik pointed out: In India, the aircraft would be subjected to performance trials which would include takeoff and landing characteristics, aircraft maneuvering, and checks of certain systems in the air. Evaluation of its maintainability, mission support equipment, operations at high altitude and in specific environments will also be conducted. Analyses of some aspects operations of its avionics, radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems along with live firing of long range weapons would be conducted at vendor-specific locations.”
All the trials are on No-Cost-No- Commitment basis, and the IAF will buy only the one which meets all the parametres in terms of capabilities and cost.
The Air Chief observed that this was the first time that field trials of multiple aircraft under a single RfP were being undertaken. Live firing, maintainability, and environmental tests would be part of the testing. “The magnitude of the task is enormous and time lines are critical. Considering the complexity of trials, the evaluation will be split and each sub-team will evaluate a set of aircraft each, though under a common team leader.”
He said that initially, IAF was looking at only 126 aircraft as per the RfP but an increase in the number of aircraft was likely. The RfP has a 50 per cent option clause, that is, IAF could buy another 63 aircraft in future without any escalation.
However, said Air Chief Marshal Naik, “the acquisition of more aircraft would be assessed at an appropriate time, based on our experience and requirement.”
IAF was hopeful to get the first selected aircraft by 2013-14. After the IAF submits its choice of one or more aircraft to the MoD, the latter would take a decision on the final selection, and its manufacturer would begin supplying the aircraft within three years of the signing of the contract.
The initial value for 126 aircraft with two years of spares and maintenance is estimated at around USD 10 billion. It would be the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure periodic upgrades and serviceability for up to 40 years.
Asked how would the IAF evaluate the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) requirement that is mandatory but not yet available on board some of the aircraft, the Air Chief said that the trial template is common for all, without deviation, and to be selected, an aircraft would have to meet the requirements in the RfP.
“A very comprehensive and detailed trial plan and methodology has been formulated by the Air HQ for the complete evaluation of platforms being offered. This includes testing the performance of all systems including the AESA radar. The same template would be used to evaluate all the offered aircraft and systems.”
“The performance of all aircraft would be evaluated and checked for compliance, strictly against the desired specifications, that have already been published and made known to the vendors. Comprehensive reports would then be compiled and submitted (to the MoD). That is the process that we will follow.”
The aircraft are evaluated “strictly under the Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) which include maintainability, reliability, performance, life-cycle costs, warranties and many complex issues. It is only after checking out the offer against the specified parameters that final recommendations are made.” The Air Chief Marshal defined Mission Success and Safe Return of Pilots and Assets as the key to the IAF modernization and acquisition programme.
The entire IAF acquisition and modernization programme was in this perspective, and assets like the AWACS, Midair refuelers, sensors and precision strike systems were being acquired accordingly.
“The Indian Air Force seeks to be a credible force that can deliver air power wherever and whenever required (to defend the country). Our effectiveness in doing so will largely determine our credibility. Our Air Force will comprise equipment that promises us effectiveness and high mission rates.
Survivability is an integral component of that requirement, and there will be no compromise on either of these two counts.”
The Air Chief said that the state-of-he-art SU 30 MKI was set to become IAF‘s maintstay “shortly” and that was why “we have modified our basing plans so as to distribute our assets equitably.”
It may be noted that in the past, the ratio of IAF aircraft has been two in the west and one in the east. Indications are that from now on, this distribution will be 50:50.
IAF has already ordered an additional 40 SU 30 MKIs from Russia to take their total number to 230. The aircraft is being made in India by HAL under technology transfer, and the existing IAF fleet was under upgrades to Phase-III standards.
About the helicopters, the Air Chief said that while the IAF had recently issued the RfPs for 22 combat and 15 heavy lift helicopters, another RfP for utility helicopters in a joint tender with the Indian Army would be floated soon.
IAF has already signed a contract in 2008 with Russia for 80 new Mi 17 V5 helicopters last year to add to its existing fleet. Their delivery should complete in 2010.
A contract is also being awarded to Ukraine to upgrade IAF‘s 100-plus An 32 transport aircraft.
The indigenous Dhruv is also being acquired at a steady pace, said Air Chief Marshal Naik.
..:: India Strategic ::.. INDIAN AIR FORCE
New Delhi. The Indian Air Force is set to begin the flight trials of the six US and European aircraft for India’s Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) competition from July and finish them by March 2010.
Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told India Strategic in an interview on the eve of the Paris Air Show that teams from the IAF’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore, were being deployed to test the competing aircraft within a tight schedule from the country of manufacture to within India at three places.
“Whether one or more aircraft are short-listed would depend upon the results of the comprehensive tests, and there would be a common template for all.”
He also disclosed that IAF had shortlisted the Boeing C 17 Globemaster III for its very Heavy Transport Aircraft (VHTAC) requirement, and that it was also considering more Lockheed Martin C 130Js in addition to the six already ordered.
Asked if the tanker deal for six Airbus 330 MRTT aircraft had been signed, he said that while the aircraft had been shortlisted, the proposal was with the MoD for procedural clearance and was yet to be signed. IAF already has six Il 78 midair refuelers, and the new orders are to augment the requirement.
Although the Il 76 aircraft has served the Indian Air force well, Russia does not make the Il 76/ 78 platform any more, and whether for AWACS or refueler requirement, old aircraft are refurbished and re-sold by Russia or Central Asian states which were part of the Soviet Union. Apparently, IAF has decided to choose new, and newer generation, aircraft for its various requirements.
Overall, Air Chief Marshal Naik said that IAF was on track to achieve its total transformation by 2020-25, by which time IAF should be spending around USD 100 billion on aircraft, systems, infrastructure, sensors, UAVs, missiles, training and related modernization programmes.
As for the combat fleet, be observed: “The IAF of the future, post-2025, would consist of FGFA (Fith Generation Fighter Aircraft), SU 30 MKIs, MRCAs and Tejas/ MCA (indigenous Medium Combat Aircraft) with multi-role as well as significant swing role capability.”
“They would employ advanced technologies, sensors and precision weapons. The larger aircraft, i.e. FGFA and SU 30 would focus on Air Dominance and specialise in similar roles in long ranges over land and sea, while the MRCAs would don a variety of medium-range and tactical roles. These assets would be capable of all weather, day and night attack with adequate self-protection capability…these assets would be immensely capable and are not going to be confined to the strictly stereotyped roles. They would carry out a number of roles in the same mission.”
Air Chief Marshal Naik, who assumed charge on May 31 from Air Chief Marshal F H Major (Retd), would be visiting the Paris Air Show along with top IAF officers to witness what new technologies are being introduced and displayed there by various aircraft manufacturers.
(Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju is expected there along with Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel).
The six aircraft in fray for the IAF requirement, including the French Rafale, would be on display at the air show. The others are EADS Eurofighter, US Lockeed Martin F 16, Boeing F 18 Super Hornet, Swedish Gripen and Russian Mig 35.
According to reliable sources, the Rafale was nearly out because its manufacturer, Dassault, had simply not filled in all the columns in the Indian RfP. There was some drama when the news leaked out, but after French diplomatic intervention, the Indian Ministry of Defence, which is the actual acquisition authority, allowed it to be back in the competition last month.
There was no comment however from the Air Chief, except to confirm that “all the six aircraft are in the competition.”
Giving details of the Field Evaluation Tests (FETs), he said that in the first round, Indian pilots would visit the country of manufacture of each aircraft to see the facilities; in the second round, two to three aircraft from each manufacturer would be flight tested in Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh; and in the third round, actual weapon firing tests would be held in the country of manufacture (or in another country as designated by the manufacturer – not all European countries have firing ranges).
There wold be a common leader but two or three different teams under him. The aircraft would go to Bangalore for “performance, systems and humidity trials, to Jaisalmer for hot weather and weapon trials, and to Leh for high altitude and cold weather trials.”
“The evaluations would be in sequence, one after the other, starting from Bangalore.”
Specifically, Air Chief Marshal Naik pointed out: In India, the aircraft would be subjected to performance trials which would include takeoff and landing characteristics, aircraft maneuvering, and checks of certain systems in the air. Evaluation of its maintainability, mission support equipment, operations at high altitude and in specific environments will also be conducted. Analyses of some aspects operations of its avionics, radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems along with live firing of long range weapons would be conducted at vendor-specific locations.”
All the trials are on No-Cost-No- Commitment basis, and the IAF will buy only the one which meets all the parametres in terms of capabilities and cost.
The Air Chief observed that this was the first time that field trials of multiple aircraft under a single RfP were being undertaken. Live firing, maintainability, and environmental tests would be part of the testing. “The magnitude of the task is enormous and time lines are critical. Considering the complexity of trials, the evaluation will be split and each sub-team will evaluate a set of aircraft each, though under a common team leader.”
He said that initially, IAF was looking at only 126 aircraft as per the RfP but an increase in the number of aircraft was likely. The RfP has a 50 per cent option clause, that is, IAF could buy another 63 aircraft in future without any escalation.
However, said Air Chief Marshal Naik, “the acquisition of more aircraft would be assessed at an appropriate time, based on our experience and requirement.”
IAF was hopeful to get the first selected aircraft by 2013-14. After the IAF submits its choice of one or more aircraft to the MoD, the latter would take a decision on the final selection, and its manufacturer would begin supplying the aircraft within three years of the signing of the contract.
The initial value for 126 aircraft with two years of spares and maintenance is estimated at around USD 10 billion. It would be the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure periodic upgrades and serviceability for up to 40 years.
Asked how would the IAF evaluate the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) requirement that is mandatory but not yet available on board some of the aircraft, the Air Chief said that the trial template is common for all, without deviation, and to be selected, an aircraft would have to meet the requirements in the RfP.
“A very comprehensive and detailed trial plan and methodology has been formulated by the Air HQ for the complete evaluation of platforms being offered. This includes testing the performance of all systems including the AESA radar. The same template would be used to evaluate all the offered aircraft and systems.”
“The performance of all aircraft would be evaluated and checked for compliance, strictly against the desired specifications, that have already been published and made known to the vendors. Comprehensive reports would then be compiled and submitted (to the MoD). That is the process that we will follow.”
The aircraft are evaluated “strictly under the Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) which include maintainability, reliability, performance, life-cycle costs, warranties and many complex issues. It is only after checking out the offer against the specified parameters that final recommendations are made.” The Air Chief Marshal defined Mission Success and Safe Return of Pilots and Assets as the key to the IAF modernization and acquisition programme.
The entire IAF acquisition and modernization programme was in this perspective, and assets like the AWACS, Midair refuelers, sensors and precision strike systems were being acquired accordingly.
“The Indian Air Force seeks to be a credible force that can deliver air power wherever and whenever required (to defend the country). Our effectiveness in doing so will largely determine our credibility. Our Air Force will comprise equipment that promises us effectiveness and high mission rates.
Survivability is an integral component of that requirement, and there will be no compromise on either of these two counts.”
The Air Chief said that the state-of-he-art SU 30 MKI was set to become IAF‘s maintstay “shortly” and that was why “we have modified our basing plans so as to distribute our assets equitably.”
It may be noted that in the past, the ratio of IAF aircraft has been two in the west and one in the east. Indications are that from now on, this distribution will be 50:50.
IAF has already ordered an additional 40 SU 30 MKIs from Russia to take their total number to 230. The aircraft is being made in India by HAL under technology transfer, and the existing IAF fleet was under upgrades to Phase-III standards.
About the helicopters, the Air Chief said that while the IAF had recently issued the RfPs for 22 combat and 15 heavy lift helicopters, another RfP for utility helicopters in a joint tender with the Indian Army would be floated soon.
IAF has already signed a contract in 2008 with Russia for 80 new Mi 17 V5 helicopters last year to add to its existing fleet. Their delivery should complete in 2010.
A contract is also being awarded to Ukraine to upgrade IAF‘s 100-plus An 32 transport aircraft.
The indigenous Dhruv is also being acquired at a steady pace, said Air Chief Marshal Naik.
..:: India Strategic ::.. INDIAN AIR FORCE
p2prada
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The MICA IR range is around 20km. The MICA RF range is around 60km.
J
John
Guest
mica-IR only 20km range?? well then the Asraam and Python-5 are better, Python-5 has a longer range and better aerodynamics. none of the contenders as of now are ruled out yet and speaking of medium range, why is the F-16IN medium range?? it has a longer combat radius than any other contender and that too only on CFT aided internal fuel, put on tanks and its goes further than the others.
J
John
Guest
United Arab Emirates Closing in on Rafale | AVIATION WEEK
United Arab Emirates Closing in on Rafale
The Rafale fighter could be one step away from securing its first export order, following submittal last week to the French government of final technical requirements for a 6-10 billion euro ($8.3-13.8 billion) 60-aircraft purchase by the United Arab Emirates late last week.
Dassault Aviation officials say the document signifies basic agreement on the specifications, permitting the two sides to proceed to negotiation of pricing and financing terms. The French also will have to help find a buyer for the UAE's fleet of 63 Mirage 2000-9 fighters, which the Rafale will replace. Laurent Collet-Billon, head of French armaments agency DGA, says the objective is to sign a contract by year's end. But Dassault Chairman/CEO Charles Edelstenne, mindful of a last-minute loss to the Lockheed Martin F-16 in Morocco in 2008, cautioned "against crying victory before the last whistle blows."
The UAE wants an aircraft reflecting the most advanced current Rafale standard, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Meteor beyond-visual-range air-air missile, Damocles targeting pod, and an enhanced OSF forward infrared search and track system and missile warning receiver. These improvements, including the AESA, are to be introduced into the French armed forces starting in 2012. Meteor integration is slated to begin only in 2013-14 for service entry in 2017-18, but military officials say this date can be moved up if necessary. The UAE envisions replacing its first Mirage 2000-9s in 2013.
The UAE is also demanding a higher thrust version of the fighter's Snecma M88 engine to suit the hot-and-high conditions prevalent in the Middle East. A test program for the new powerplant, aimed at raising thrust to 9 metric tons from 7.5 tons currently, was announced in the run-up to last week's Paris Air Show. The main focus of the program is a new high-pressure core design that will begin running in September as part of a package of improvements, known as the Pack CGP-9T, intended to reduce M88 ownership costs for the French armed forces.
A demonstrator for the low-pressure part of the engine began testing this spring. The test program would enable the higher-power version to be available within three years of contract signature, Snecma executives say.
For the time being, the question of funding the M88 upgrade, estimated to cost 250-300 million euros, remains unresolved. So far, the French government says it has no requirement for the higher-thrust version, which means the UAE would have to pick up the tab - perhaps along with other interested customers like Kuwait, with a similar requirement. But the government had initially dragged its feet at funding the AESA, forcing industry to bear the cost of development through deferral of a six-aircraft Rafale order, only to reinstate the order last year.
apparently the new higher thrust engine for Rafale is un-funded..ohhh may be the F-4 is way out of our league, what a load of crap, it will certainly loose if more costs are added.
United Arab Emirates Closing in on Rafale
The Rafale fighter could be one step away from securing its first export order, following submittal last week to the French government of final technical requirements for a 6-10 billion euro ($8.3-13.8 billion) 60-aircraft purchase by the United Arab Emirates late last week.
Dassault Aviation officials say the document signifies basic agreement on the specifications, permitting the two sides to proceed to negotiation of pricing and financing terms. The French also will have to help find a buyer for the UAE's fleet of 63 Mirage 2000-9 fighters, which the Rafale will replace. Laurent Collet-Billon, head of French armaments agency DGA, says the objective is to sign a contract by year's end. But Dassault Chairman/CEO Charles Edelstenne, mindful of a last-minute loss to the Lockheed Martin F-16 in Morocco in 2008, cautioned "against crying victory before the last whistle blows."
The UAE wants an aircraft reflecting the most advanced current Rafale standard, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Meteor beyond-visual-range air-air missile, Damocles targeting pod, and an enhanced OSF forward infrared search and track system and missile warning receiver. These improvements, including the AESA, are to be introduced into the French armed forces starting in 2012. Meteor integration is slated to begin only in 2013-14 for service entry in 2017-18, but military officials say this date can be moved up if necessary. The UAE envisions replacing its first Mirage 2000-9s in 2013.
The UAE is also demanding a higher thrust version of the fighter's Snecma M88 engine to suit the hot-and-high conditions prevalent in the Middle East. A test program for the new powerplant, aimed at raising thrust to 9 metric tons from 7.5 tons currently, was announced in the run-up to last week's Paris Air Show. The main focus of the program is a new high-pressure core design that will begin running in September as part of a package of improvements, known as the Pack CGP-9T, intended to reduce M88 ownership costs for the French armed forces.
A demonstrator for the low-pressure part of the engine began testing this spring. The test program would enable the higher-power version to be available within three years of contract signature, Snecma executives say.
For the time being, the question of funding the M88 upgrade, estimated to cost 250-300 million euros, remains unresolved. So far, the French government says it has no requirement for the higher-thrust version, which means the UAE would have to pick up the tab - perhaps along with other interested customers like Kuwait, with a similar requirement. But the government had initially dragged its feet at funding the AESA, forcing industry to bear the cost of development through deferral of a six-aircraft Rafale order, only to reinstate the order last year.
apparently the new higher thrust engine for Rafale is un-funded..ohhh may be the F-4 is way out of our league, what a load of crap, it will certainly loose if more costs are added.
J
John
Guest
i dont think so, why get more mirages when we can readily order another squadron of su-30mki.
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