Dassault Rafale, tender | News & Discussions

[amunhotep]

MRCA field trials to end by july 2010

Field trials by six aircraft makers -- including Boeing Co. and Dassault Aviation SA -- for an estimated $10 billion Indian Air Force contract will likely be completed by July, an Indian minister said Wednesday.





"They (the trials) are expected to get over some time in June or July next year because testing has to be done across both the winter and summer seasons," M.M. Pallam Raju, junior defense minister, said on the sidelines of an industry conference.



Boeing is offering the F/A-18 fighter jet for the 126 multi-role combat aircraft deal, while Dassault has put up the Rafale.Vivek Lall, vice president and India head for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said in October that the F/A-18 recently completed the second phase of trials in India's Leh, Jaisalmer and Bangalore areas.



The third phase will start in the U.S. in February.







Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-16 Falcon, Russian Aircraft Corp.'s MiG-35, Saab AB's JAS-39 Gripen, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon -- produced by a consortium of European companies--are also competing for the contract.





India plans to buy the 126 jets, as well as advanced helicopters and other defense equipment, to modernize its mainly Soviet-vintage defense forces. The Indian Air Force has 1,700 aircraft, including helicopters and transport planes, according to its Web site.





India, which is among the world's top arms importers, has earmarked 1.42 trillion rupees ($30.7 billion) as capital expenditure on defense for the current fiscal year through March 2010, up from 1.06 trillion rupees in the previous year.



Mr. Raju said 30%-40% of this year's defense budget has been spent so far.



Under current rules, foreign companies which receive import orders in excess of 3 billion rupees must draw at least 30% of that order from domestic suppliers or make a similar sized investment within India, in what is known as an offset."The offset obligation for this (126-fighter jet) order is 50%," said Mr. Raju.


here is the link


ASIAN DEFENCE: India: Fighter Jet Deal Trials Likely to End July

 

[sudhir007]

Selex: Eurofighter partners near agreement on AESA radar
By Craig Hoyle

The Eurofighter partner nations are moving towards an agreement to integrate an active electronically scanned array radar with the type, as discussions over Tranche 3A production near a conclusion.

"We are talking at great length, and there is a gradual coming together," says Bob Mason, vice-president marketing and sales for Selex Galileo, prime contractor and design authority for the Eurofighter Typhoon's current mechanically scanned Captor radar. "A lot of things are pulling E-scan to the fore, and we expect some sort of agreement within two to three months."

Selex, which produces over 50% of the Captor system at its facilities in Edinburgh, Scotland and Milan, Italy, believes the addition of an AESA array will be a vital step towards the Typhoon securing additional sales with nations such as India and Japan.

"The Typhoon needs an E-scan radar, or it will not export," says Mason. Rival types such as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale are already being offered with AESA systems.

EADS conducted test flights with the Euroradar consortium's Caesar active array using a Eurofighter development aircraft in 2007, and Selex has also previously supplied AESA systems to the UK Ministry of Defence for evaluation in fast jet types such as the Panavia Tornado. A prototype of the company's Vixen 1000E/Raven ES05 is also now in flight test with Saab's Gripen Demo airframe, with this viewed as a de-risking activity for a possible larger version for the Typhoon. A prototype AESA array was recently installed on Saab's Gripen Demo aircraft

"E-scan was previously looked at as risky and potentially costly. Now the risk of doing nothing is worse," says Alastair Morrison, deputy senior vice-president radar and advanced targeting for Selex Galileo. "It's in everyone's interest to make this work."

Selex says an AESA array could now be produced for the same cost as a mechanically scanned system, but deliver a five- to 10-times increase in mean-time between critical failures, reducing maintenance and other through-life support costs. The new technology also brings advances in detection range and performance, for example by operating "virtually instantaneously" in both air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. Selex has also developed a "swashplate repositioner", which enables the normally fixed AESA array to be moved laterally by +/-100°. "Germany now believes a repositioner of some sort is desirable," says Mason.

An AESA version of the Captor could also potentially be retrofitted to Tranche 2 aircraft for Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Separately, Mason says Selex is now investigating wider uses for AESA radar technology, including possible communications and electronic attack modes. "We are looking at all applications," he says.

http://www.flightglobal.com/article...er-partners-near-agreement-on-aesa-radar.html

 

[vnomad]

That's wrong, Germany and France are the powers behind EADS, Britain/BAE is only a smaller part behing Airbus which is a subsidiary company of EADS. That's why France for sure will offer EADS products, or jv combined with the Rafale offer, like they did in Brazil too (Eurocopter helicopters, partnership on Embraers transport aircraft development).

I think you're forgetting the context here.

Powers behind is oversimplifying it. France is NOT nationally marketing it. Its produced entirely the four countries that constitute the consortium. Politically, the SH is a better choice, and the EF is a safer one(in terms of securing technical aspects of the aircraft). With respect to Germany, they aren't a very assertive country and will generally refrain from rocking the boat. France on the other hand would have been China's biggest arms exporter if it weren't for pressure from US, UK and other NATO allies.

But MMRCA will be the main frontline aircraft alongside MKI, so it's performance against PAF, or PLAAF fighters will be a main requirement too, don't you think? That's why I said, the US weapon pack will be a bigger advantage, than the slow speed capabilities.

And the F-18E/Fs aerodynamic performance is excellent, though avionics is where it thoroughly outperforms the Rafale and EF.

But these weapons are available on F16IN and most of the Eurocarnards too.

Theoretically yes. But, practically speaking India is going to be importing munitions from whichever country the contract goes to.

Agreed, but there are also more points where thr Rafale is better t/w ratio, logistics, ToT, co-developments and even some arms. The Rafale itself and the whole deal offers imo the best alround performance. Many good points in not only some parts, but several different parts.

In terms of ToT and logistics, it doesn't bring anything to the table that is ahead of the rest. As a matter of fact, they've had the most laid-back campaign of all the contractors. India's Mirage upgrade program is likely to be cancelled, because of their intransigence.

Sure, but you are forgetting Scalp cruise missile, AASM, later Meteor which are latest weapons comparable, or even better and don't forget that

None of which are significantly better than their American equivalents, and all of which are significantly more expensive.

some US weapons are cleared for Rafale too (as far as I know, Paveway bombs, Harm and Harpoon and if customers wants also Aim 9 and AMRAAM).

Well nuclear weapons can be wired too, but we're not getting them either.

That's what I said, US developed such kits earlier and now in huge numbers, that's why they are cheaper. AASM with 1 CEP versions is better and only in the first stages of the development, so it has a greater potential.

That's the nub of argument and is why the F-16 consistently outsold the Mirage-2000. The huge numbers in production caused it to be a much more economical prospect.

From India's perspective, as longer as its cheaper(and is qualitatively comparable to its competitors), its preferable irrespective of the 'whys'.

UAE 60, that alone woulde be 3 times more than Super Hornets for foreign operators, not to mention 100+ from Brazil and India each

That's assuming it ever wins these contracts. So, far the record isn't promising. Foreign orders apart, the sheer number of SHs produced makes the SH a economically better option.

Sure, they only wanted the inferior Growler. No mate, America don't like to share such techs.

The Growler isn't primarily a fighter aircraft. SH in a growler-lite configuration on the other hand is.

I like the EF too, but it is too obvious that it won't be fully developed soon and that it will face further delays.

Depends on what you mean by fully developed(the development cycle for both the EF and Rafale is a while away from completion). There have been over 160 deliveries of the EF as opposed to only about 60 for the Rafale.

That is not exactable for IAF at such a high unit cost, for Saudi Arabia instead, whithout a real threat and as shiny toys they will be good.

If 'shiny' implies its expensive without performance, I must point out that the EF while costing roughly the same as the Rafale, brings superior performance to the table.

 

[Tejas-MkII]

Got this Link from BR:

Awesome information about Rafale, read those pdf files,if any body have any doubt about Rafale would be clear..

Publications

After These pdf if IAF got any other ACs than this it would be blunder mistake

 

[marcos98]

Italian AF Doubts AESA Prospects for Latest Typhoon
By tom kington and andrew chuter

ROME - As the industrial consortium behind the Eurofighter Typhoon presses customers to commit to an electronically scanned radar, the Italian Air Force has confirmed its doubts that the radar can be ready in time for the next tranche of the combat jet.
"The physical insertion of an AESA radar in Tranche 3A is not feasible timewise," said Gen. Giuseppe Bernardis, the Air Force deputy chief of staff.
"Another thing could be an interest in studying the option of retrofitting the fleet one day, money and circumstances permitting," he added.
Speaking at the Dubai Airshow this week, Eurofighter CEO Enzo Casolini said proposals could be submitted by year's end to the four lead Eurofighter nations for a new AESA (advanced electronically scanned array) radar to replace the twin-engine jet's mechanically scanned Captor radar. Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain may then make a joint decision by February on how to proceed, he said.

 

[sancho]

ie 118Kn each... good going. Even good news is LCA Mk2 gonna be a MMRCA.

Keep some points in mind!

One it is reported that the EJ 200 is more or less limited to 90kN at the moment, to have less fuel consumtion and because more thrust is not needed for EF (it already has the best t/w ratio in MMRCA). It is claimed that something between 90 and 100+ kN is possible without much changes.

Two that it weighes less then the GE414, so even with less thrust it could achive a better t/w ratio.

Three that the GE414 EPE is offered, but not developed now! Only if an export customer is found, it will be developed and the USN will also upg their own fighters with this engine, otherwise they will go on with the actual 98kN engine. The fact that IAF didn't go for a co-developed Kaveri-Snecma engine with at least 90kN and wanted a ready and developed engine now, means that they can't go with the GE 414 EPE if it is not ready now right?

- Less weight
- ready and proven
- variable in thrust
- on offer with TVC
- more ToT

means to me, clear advantage for EJ 200!

Italian AF Doubts AESA Prospects for Latest Typhoon
By tom kington and andrew chuter

ROME - As the industrial consortium behind the Eurofighter Typhoon presses customers to commit to an electronically scanned radar, the Italian Air Force has confirmed its doubts that the radar can be ready in time for the next tranche of the combat jet.
"The physical insertion of an AESA radar in Tranche 3A is not feasible timewise," said Gen. Giuseppe Bernardis, the Air Force deputy chief of staff.
"Another thing could be an interest in studying the option of retrofitting the fleet one day, money and circumstances permitting," he added.
Speaking at the Dubai Airshow this week, Eurofighter CEO Enzo Casolini said proposals could be submitted by year's end to the four lead Eurofighter nations for a new AESA (advanced electronically scanned array) radar to replace the twin-engine jet's mechanically scanned Captor radar. Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain may then make a joint decision by February on how to proceed, he said.

That's what I said, these problems will reduce EFs chances in India more and more. A decision by Feb is by far too late to get Tranche 3B fighters for IAF on time and delays for a $90 - 100 million dollar fighter are not acceptable!

 

[sancho]

I think you're forgetting the context here.

Powers behind is oversimplifying it. France is NOT nationally marketing it. Its produced entirely the four countries that constitute the consortium.

I think you are confused here with the EF consortium (with Germany, UK, Italy and Spain behind it) and the company EADS.
Check this and you will understand how much power France has in EADS, especially because the French state is involved directly!

EADS N.V. - Shareholding Structure

Theoretically yes. But, practically speaking India is going to be importing munitions from whichever country the contract goes to.

The prime weapon of Gripen NG, EF till Meteor will be ready is the same AMRAAM that the F16 and F18 uses. They also primary use Paveway bombs and Harpoon missiles, also every operator can have AIM 9, or HARM missiles too, so India will practically have many of the same weapons that are on offer with F16 and F18SH and not only theoretically.

In terms of ToT and logistics, it doesn't bring anything to the table that is ahead of the rest.

Full ToT of an ready AESA radar, full ToT of a ready and proven IRST, full ToT of the Spectra EW suit, ToT and possibly even a co-developed Kaveri-Snecma engine and you think that is nothing that puts them ahead?
Compare it with the rest, US fighters very limited ToT, specially from important parts like radar. Gripen NG ToT only with permission of other countries, EF slightly better because of own engine own avionics, but also reliable. The Mig with ToT of nothing that would be a major new tech, because of already co-developments of better Russian techs.
To me that means, France offers full ToT of very good latest techs, with no restrictions, that's exactly why Brazil is so keen for them and why it will have an advantage in India too!
On logistics side, Exocet, Magic, missiles already available, Mica, AASM and pretty likely Scalp after the upg of Mirage 2000 (btw, there were only media reporting about the price issue, not a single official report of the MoD, so lets stay at actual facts and not at claims) vs. only Paveway bombs available as a US weapon in IAF so far. Again clear advantage France!

From India's perspective, as longer as its cheaper(and is qualitatively comparable to its competitors), its preferable irrespective of the 'whys'.

That was right some decades ago, but now we have more than enough money to buy the best that is on offer, not only the cheapest. If the others offer us more in return for more costs, its worth it.
Rafale higher unit costs, than F18, but less logistics, more ToT, suits better alongside MKI, less restriction. That all makes the higher costs worth it.

Depends on what you mean by fully developed(the development cycle for both the EF and Rafale is a while away from completion). There have been over 160 deliveries of the EF as opposed to only about 60 for the Rafale.

AESA, a2g capabilities, cleared weapons..., very important part to make the EF really multi role capable are still missing, whereas the Rafale has it ready now and useing some of them in Afghanistan. The fact that not a single EF is in Afghanistan says it all and btw, EF is produced by 4 countries, so 160 deliveries so far is the opposite of impressive, they are behind their own schedules.

If 'shiny' implies its expensive without performance, I must point out that the EF while costing roughly the same as the Rafale, brings superior performance to the table.

Shiny means expensive but way over their needs! They buy things to have them, not realy because they need such capabnilities to use them. That's why it will not matter Saudi Arabia if AESA radar is delayed, if a2g capabilities are limited, if they get less ToT and so on, for IAF instead these points are crucial!

 

[vnomad]

I think you are confused here with the EF consortium (with Germany, UK, Italy and Spain behind it) and the company EADS.
Check this and you will understand how much power France has in EADS, especially because the French state is involved directly!

Again, I must emphasize the context. Will French 'interference' somehow jeopardize a supposed Eurofighter contract? The answer is no. As far as the Eurofighter goes French influence is insignificant.

Firstly, because the EF manufacturing is split between the consortium countries and France is not involved.

Also the EF is manufactured by Eurofighter GmbH, that included BAe and Alenia Aeronautica in addition to EADS Deutschland and EADS CASA.

Thirdly, even if it was a inhouse EADS project, the company would have to defer to respective contracting MoD's decision. In the case of the Eurofighter, that role is administered by the nodal agency of the consortium countries - NETMA(NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency), which excludes France.

The prime weapon of Gripen NG, EF till Meteor will be ready is the same AMRAAM that the F16 and F18 uses. They also primary use Paveway bombs and Harpoon missiles, also every operator can have AIM 9, or HARM missiles too, so India will practically have many of the same weapons that are on offer with F16 and F18SH and not only theoretically.

Well, the Rafale, without going into the details, practically speaking, isn't going to be equipped with the AMRAAM.

Full ToT of an ready AESA radar, full ToT of a ready and proven IRST, full ToT of the Spectra EW suit, ToT and possibly even a co-developed Kaveri-Snecma engine and you think that is nothing that puts them ahead?

The only ToT they are offering that the SH isn't, is the AESA radar.

Compare it with the rest, US fighters very limited ToT, specially from important parts like radar.

True, the radar is from what I've read, technically surpassed only by the APG-81, that will equip the F-35 and the US isn't willing to part with that technology.

To me that means, France offers full ToT of very good latest techs, with no restrictions, that's exactly why Brazil is so keen for them and why it will have an advantage in India too!

Well Embraer, which is to Brazil, what BAe is to the UK and Dassault is to France, is firmly in the Gripen NG camp. In any case, until the results of the Brazilian competition are out, judging 'leading' proposal is just plain speculation.

On logistics side, Exocet, Magic, missiles already available, Mica, AASM and pretty likely Scalp after the upg of Mirage 2000 (btw, there were only media reporting about the price issue, not a single official report of the MoD, so lets stay at actual facts and not at claims)

The Mirage 2000 upgrade issue isn't very obscure or shrouded in mystery. Dassault wanted $2.1 billion(after the IAF diluted its requirements) to upgrade the fleet of 51 aircraft, which at over $40 million per aircraft was deemed excessive by the MoD. The MoD hasn't commented on it because it still hopes to salvage the contract through negotiations. In any case, the issue hasn't done Dassault's reputation within the MoD or IAF, any favours.

vs. only Paveway bombs available as a US weapon in IAF so far. Again clear advantage France!

The Indian inventory includes the Harpoon as well(and the Magic isn't frontline material any longer). In addition the IAF would welcome the opportunity to induct the AGM-65 Maverick, Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM-ER), AGM-88 HARM, AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) plus JDAM kits.

That was right some decades ago, but now we have more than enough money to buy the best that is on offer, not only the cheapest. If the others offer us more in return for more costs, its worth it.

The French aren't offering the best technology for highest prices, they're offering (at best), the same technology for higher prices. Not that you can blame them; if the USAF and USN were Dassault customers, the Rafale would be a whole lot cheaper, but unfortunately they aren't.

AESA, a2g capabilities, cleared weapons..., very important part to make the EF really multi role capable are still missing,

Storm Shadow(Scalp EG), AGM-88 HARM, ALARM, Taurus, Brimstone and also JDAMs and Paveways, went online with the latest blocks of Tranche 2.

whereas the Rafale has it ready now and useing some of them in Afghanistan. The fact that not a single EF is in Afghanistan says it all

Well not a single F-22's been deployed to Afghanistan either, but still any AF would be leap at a chance to buy the Raptor.

and btw, EF is produced by 4 countries, so 160 deliveries so far is the opposite of impressive, they are behind their own schedules.

Point wasn't how impressive it is, rather it was that the larger scale of production had depressed the price which was roughly at par with the Rafale's, while offering superior performance.

Shiny means expensive but way over their needs! They buy things to have them, not realy because they need such capabnilities to use them. That's why it will not matter Saudi Arabia if AESA radar is delayed, if a2g capabilities are limited, if they get less ToT and so on, for IAF instead these points are crucial!

The estimated induction times of the RBE2 AA and CAPTOR-E are roughly similar, though the first test of the RBE2 was several months before the CAPTOR's.

Also, while we're on the subject, the APG-79 took seven years from introduction(2002) to full operational clearance(2008), a cycle that the Europeans haven't even begun.

 

[sancho]

Again, I must emphasize the context. Will French 'interference' somehow jeopardize a supposed Eurofighter contract?

I never said it will, my point was that with France as a major power behind EADS, the Dassault bid will also get big support of EADS with combined deals, or offset jv.

The only ToT they are offering that the SH isn't, is the AESA radar.

What about EWS, or IRST? The only comments on ToT of Boeing officials was, that India could produce parts of export F18SH with ToT, but that can be wings, cockpit, or other parts of the airframe. I didn't see a single report that hints that any important tech will be transfered and produced in India. ToT of the airframe and possibly of the engine won't benefit our industry, like it will with the French offer.

Well Embraer, which is to Brazil, what BAe is to the UK and Dassault is to France, is firmly in the Gripen NG camp. In any case, until the results of the Brazilian competition are out, judging 'leading' proposal is just plain speculation.

If the President and the Defense Minister openly say that independance and ToT is the key in their competition and that Dassault offers this to Brazil, it is way more than speculation don't you think? Btw, Dassault has also offered a co-development of Embraers KC 390 and several more benefits, so Saab has lost one more advantage.

The Mirage 2000 upgrade issue isn't very obscure or shrouded in mystery. Dassault wanted $2.1 billion(after the IAF diluted its requirements) to upgrade the fleet of 51 aircraft, which at over $40 million per aircraft was deemed excessive by the MoD. The MoD hasn't commented on it because it still hopes to salvage the contract through negotiations. In any case, the issue hasn't done Dassault's reputation within the MoD or IAF, any favours.

I don't say its good to upg them for such costs, infact I said before we should go for more LCAs instead of upg Mirage 2k. But there were enough false media reports before, so wait for an official claim about it.

The Indian inventory includes the Harpoon as well(and the Magic isn't frontline material any longer).

Which IAF fighter uses Harpoon at the moment? Magic is still in use with Jags, at least till they are upg (AIM9, Asraam are roumored) and the Rafale can use them too.

they're offering (at best), the same technology for higher prices.

Yes, but including full transfer of these techs! The US instead allows only the use of these high techs for low costs, but we can't improve ourselfs, because the key techs won't be transfered.
So is the higher cost for Rafale and it's techs worth it? YES!

Well not a single F-22's been deployed to Afghanistan either, but still any AF would be leap at a chance to buy the Raptor.

Please! Why should somebody deploy a F22 in a region without enemy air force? Even A10s would be more useful!
The point was that Rafale has it's techs ready now (especially a2g) and can use them in actual missions, wheras the EF can't and that's why it's not deployed there.
Go to military photos for example and you will find many actual pics of German and Spanish EFs testing paveways and Storm Shadows. These weapons should be ready with the Tranche 3A, but till now there is no offical statement which weapons will be cleared. Just another hint of the limitations of EF. Sad, but that's the reality at the moment.

The estimated induction times of the RBE2 AA and CAPTOR-E are roughly similar, though the first test of the RBE2 was several months before the CAPTOR's.

Not really, Rafale is flying with AESA now (like in Bangalore for the trials), not a single EF has flown with AESA so far and won't till possibly 2013. By that time not only the French airforce, but also export customers will get AESA radars in their Rafales.
I expect the EF radar to be better someday (larger diameter gives more range), but it's development is nowhere near to RBE2 AA development.

 

[SU-57E]

if we are getting 200 birds then a better option would be to divide the vendors... a possible scenerio would be

125-- EF OR, rafale
75 --- SH or GRIPEN

 

[vnomad]

I never said it will, my point was that with France as a major power behind EADS, the Dassault bid will also get big support of EADS with combined deals, or offset jv.

Far from it. EADS isn't going to support the Dassault bid anymore than Boeing is going to pitch for the F-16.

I think we've strayed from the original line of debate. My original assertion was that politically France(along with Sweden) was the worst choice, yielding little benefit.

What about EWS, or IRST? The only comments on ToT of Boeing officials was, that India could produce parts of export F18SH with ToT, but that can be wings, cockpit, or other parts of the airframe. I didn't see a single report that hints that any important tech will be transfered and produced in India. ToT of the airframe and possibly of the engine won't benefit our industry, like it will with the French offer.

The M-MRCA contract stipulates complete ToT. The US has had reservations about the APG-79's ToT(esp. when the others weren't offering an AESA). I haven't heard about any other restrictions.

If the President and the Defense Minister openly say that independance and ToT is the key in their competition and that Dassault offers this to Brazil, it is way more than speculation don't you think?

Well from Brazilian point of view Gripen and SH are pretty competitive offers. And a complete ToT isn't feasible for a production run of only two squadrons worth.

Btw, Dassault has also offered a co-development of Embraers KC 390 and several more benefits, so Saab has lost one more advantage.

Well one could argue on the same lines that offering India a place in the four nation EF consortium is a lost advantage to Dassault. It doesn't really work that way though.

I don't say its good to upg them for such costs, infact I said before we should go for more LCAs instead of upg Mirage 2k. But there were enough false media reports before, so wait for an official claim about it.

Upgrading the Mirage-2000 is very important. While no longer cutting edge, its still a very fine aircraft, and in view of the IAF's threat perceptions, its got a lot of potential unlike ... the MiG-21M/MF or the MiG-27.

Which IAF fighter uses Harpoon at the moment?

It replaced the aging Sea Eagle AShM on the Jaguar.

Magic is still in use with Jags, at least till they are upg (AIM9, Asraam are roumored) and the Rafale can use them too.

R-550 Magic on the Rafale? Kind of like arming the special forces with 0.303 Enfield rifles, isn't it?

Yes, but including full transfer of these techs!

I believe we were talking in context of munition, tech transfer of which is not a part of the MMRCA contract.

The US instead allows only the use of these high techs for low costs, but we can't improve ourselfs, because the key techs won't be transfered. So is the higher cost for Rafale and it's techs worth it? YES!

I'd still like to know what technologies have been refused with regard to the Superhornet.

Please! Why should somebody deploy a F22 in a region without enemy air force? Even A10s would be more useful!

And this does not apply to the Rafale because ......

The point was that Rafale has it's techs ready now (especially a2g) and can use them in actual missions,

The F-22 is a completely mature aircraft with a A2G capability equaling if not exceeding the Rafale's.

wheras the EF can't and that's why it's not deployed there.
Go to military photos for example and you will find many actual pics of German and Spanish EFs testing paveways and Storm Shadows. These weapons should be ready with the Tranche 3A, but till now there is no offical statement which weapons will be cleared. Just another hint of the limitations of EF. Sad, but that's the reality at the moment.

Like I mentioned before the Eurofighter starting with block 15 of Tranche 2 can employ the Storm Shadow, AGM-88 HARM, ALARM, Taurus, Brimstone, JDAMs and Paveway IV.

Not really, Rafale is flying with AESA now (like in Bangalore for the trials), not a single EF has flown with AESA so far and won't till possibly 2013. By that time not only the French airforce, but also export customers will get AESA radars in their Rafales.

Please check your information again. The Captor AESA radar under the CECAR program made its first flight on the Eurofighter in mid 2007. In contrast, the flight testing of the RBE2 AA started in April this year.

Also, they brought the AESA for trials because the RBE2 PESA is very easily outperformed by every other production(existing) radar in the competition(except perhaps the PS05/A on the Gripen).

I expect the EF radar to be better someday (larger diameter gives more range), but it's development is nowhere near to RBE2 AA development.

I disagree, the Captor-E is far from lagging vis-a-vis the RBE2 AA. The Captor-E when in production will have significantly more t/r modules than the RBE2 AA, also the issues that seem to be delaying the Captor are to do with production rather than development. In the event that India orders the EF, it will be delivered with an AESA.

 

[RPK]

Procurement of MMRCA Aircraft

PIB Press Release


The proposal for procurement of quantity 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force has not been finalized. The proposals received in response to the Request for Proposals are presently at Field Evaluation Trials stage. The estimated cost of the proposal is Rs. 42,000 crores approximately.

 

[sudhir007]

Is it a done deal for Boeing in MMRCA?

Boeing’s senior director’s have recently confirmed that Boeing along with Ge will offer the Indian air force a more powerful new version of the General Electric F414 engine to enhance it chances of winning contract for the 126 jets, Ge first tested F414 engine with an Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) with an advanced core in 2006, the new enhanced engine provided 15% more thrust increase, It has a six-stage high-pressure compressor (down from 7 stages in the standard F414) and an advanced high-pressure turbine, The EDE is designed to have better foreign object damage resistance, and a reduced fuel burn rate. news of F-18 suffering in Indian hot and humid climate where it was supposed to take off with standard payload was found grasping for air ,with new engine offer from Boeing has cleverly removed the disadvantage that F-18 SH had which might have made it loose the contract ,Boeing has offered F-18 SH with Raytheon built APG-79 AESA radar which first debuted in 2005 and since then has gone many chances and advancement ,Super hornet is under contract to be integrated with an Infrared search and track system (IRST) which will be positioned in the center line pod ,IRST Design itself will come from its rival Lockheed martin which is also offering F-16IN for the MMRCA Contract ,Boeing also has never refused an formal offer for Growlers which is an Airborne EW aircraft version of the F-18 SH ,Boeing also has one of the most active line of production for F-18 orders from US NAVY and Australian air force means that the company is able to deliver more than 30 aircraft’s to its customers without facing any delays .

Is it a done deal for Boeing in MMRCA? IDRW.ORG

 

[BlackSonic]

^^^ is this a good news or bad??

 

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