some news said they discover mistake design calculation on over weight missile cause ship unbalance, and rear of ship bear over loaded.
See below FAC draft marks. front and rear.
it include TOT and construction if new shipyard in Algeria for maintenance of ship and also contraction own ship via TOT. possible price include 2 unit Meko built in Algeria.
US already propose F/A18 Advance Super Hornet to Malaysia Airforce.
i hear propose fly away cost only is close to 80 million. Rafale is few million more.
anyway F18 not the issue, Malaysia AF is like F/A-18 due to reliability and support, but issue on how much US control on Jet system (limit)...
Malaysia AF chief said before, Malaysia need 6 squadron of Jet fighter, 3 for West for 3 for East Malaysia. due to budget and logistic issue. now only 3 squadron, no squadron in East malaysia.
1) Su-30MKM squadron in Gong kedah AB
2) Mig-29 squadron in Kuantan AB
3) F18+Hawk in Butterworth...
Final deal will be Rafale vs F18, but Gripen is underdog due to offer Lease option. Eurofigther also offer lease and buy later option.
Rafale a bit more expensive than F/A18 Advance Super hornet. but F18 own by Malaysia AF give many argument over politic and malaysian due to US control over jet...
look the landing gear so small compare to A400M (3x2 tyre configuration) , and tyre is 2 wheel each side, look like completely same with C-130 tyre setting, also from picture propellers so small compare to A400M, i can say it is a new generation wide body version Y8/Y9 class. max not more than...
the jet already near to 20 year in taiwan, not far from end jet lifespan, body structure getting old, not so worth to upgrade again, event upgrades used other 10 year by that time China already fully with Steal jet.
money not issue for china..... they plan go to moon only after 2020.
also they need launch new generation rocket with able to send large space ship.
expected new generation rocket CZ-5/7 will launch around 2014 for first time, it can carry more than 1000 ton, compare to current CZ-2F can...