One problem that remains is the radar. What if there is any delay in making the aesa to the standard of APG79 of not better by the time the integration takes place? it will throw our program off track. Will there be a penalty clause? Yes all the manufacturers are working on the aesa, but then things can go wrong while developing high tech stuff.
right. this is what i was referring to in my last post when i said - EFT gamble is "fraught with risks".
OTOH RBE2 is already in the final stages of being ready to be operational in 2012.
http://defense-update.com/features/du-1-07/aesaradar_rafale.htm
some claim it would be equivalent to APG 79 but this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as this is their first attempt. power and cooling requirements are a big head ache considering the M88 -2 will require higher power output. this is being worked on thro' "eco core" as part of M883.
however APG 79 will not come in it's full configuration (
if we go with FA 18E/F)
as with USN - which Raytheon has publicly stated, i would guess RBE 2 would be acceptable.
as to the penalty clause etc.. i am not aware of these.
If boeing then promises to work on the thrust to weight ratio then it would be in the reckoning. Wonder if that can be done.
exactly. infact Boeing is looking for an export customer for the FA 18E/F with high thrust EPE engine with a 20% higher thrust. i guess the customer will need to fund this new venture. of course they will get a "royalty" on any such engine sold
similar to the UAE funding of F 16 block 60 Radar.
http://www.flightglobal.com/article...et-seeks-export-sale-to-launch-20-thrust.html
as to the FA 18E/F in the reckoning oh well.. i very much beleive so. irrespective of how one looks at it, IMO FA 18e/f is a very potent aircraft "fitting" the role of "striker" in the IAF which is pretty absent with Mig 27s on the way out and Jaguars without a radar and needing escorts - facts i have dealt with in my other posts. this also becomes relevant when SU 30MKIs will continue to do their "air dominance" role in the IAF with Mig 29SMTs, Mirage 2000 -5s, LCAs as the second line of air defence.
The problem is that as per staff req none of the fighters are complete in all aspects and we will be stuck up on the promises each of the manufacturers make. One disadvantage of depending on imports I would say.
that is correct. this is also because the fighters are designed for the requirements of the respective countries. for ex FA 18E/F was never designed as dog fight A2A fighters. this explains their 7.5 g load factor. however it makes up for that with superior situational awareness via the AESA radar and most recent avionics. while not getting into knife fight SH will try and knock off the adversary at BVR range. it would be difficult for the best of the fighters with greater maneurability to engage SH because of it's superior electronics.
here is a video though
heavily biased in favour of SH -
in simulated exercises an EA 18G growler killed an F 22 - the link of which i gave earlier in one of my posts.
i would be happy if IAF goes for this
provided GOI works out favourable agreements with the US administration, a difficult job though.
last word has not been spoken yet. let's wait for Obama to come in and say what he wants to say.
but
my preference would still be Rafale which would be great both in terms of A2A & A2G.
Its quite funny that the fighter that was all but ruled out in various reports coming in a few months back is now a firm favorite. Makes a mickey out of many. Rafale is back in the reckoning. EF too despite its problems.
i agree with you. Dassault was the most quieter among all while EFT for obvious reasons was going full throttle.
my own guess is that "times now" report is at best speculation. one never knows considering the high profile visits lined up with Sarkozy and Obama still to come post Cameron's visit.
there is still sting left in the tail.
Wonder still if there is that last twist in events regarding the americans. I don't think they will give up so easily.
very valid and i agree.
