F-18 of IAF

[Energon]

I think the difference between multi role and omni role is not only that it's good in strike role. It's more about the capability to replace carrier aircrafts also!
That makes Rafale something special between the european fighters, cause EF and Gripen can't do that and if I'm right that was one reason why France left the EF consortium.
For India that could be a reason too, cause if we take Rafale for IAF, we could also take Rafale for IN new carriers instead of Mig 29 K.

F-18s also have carrier capabilities; but neither the Superhornet nor the Rafale meet the IN's requirement since both these aircrafts work on the CATOBAR format while the IN carriers and their intended aircrafts (Mig29, nLCA) need to work on an angled deck STOBAR platform. As of right now none of the IN's future carriers are to be fitted with catapults.

Also, if I'm not mistaken the Gripen can be modified for STOBAR operations, and SAAB has actually offered to start such a program if this aircraft is selected by the IAF.

 

[DeathInvader]

F-18s also have carrier capabilities; but neither the Superhornet nor the Rafale meet the IN's requirement since both these aircrafts work on the CATOBAR format while the IN carriers and their intended aircrafts (Mig29, nLCA) need to work on an angled deck STOBAR platform. As of right now none of the IN's future carriers are to be fitted with catapults.

Also, if I'm not mistaken the Gripen can be modified for STOBAR operations, and SAAB has actually offered to start such a program if this aircraft is selected by the IAF.

I think india would have gone for rafale........but the participation of mig-35 changed the equations completely.........! as mig-35 would be just a plug n play and minimum cost would be required for its induction and installation.....and plus HAL has already expertized in Russian planes after having licence produced them in India.......... so i think Mig-35 is the best for indians.......and its a sexy,lethal,deadly beast...........

 

[anoopsaxena76]

F-18s also have carrier capabilities; but neither the Superhornet nor the Rafale meet the IN's requirement since both these aircrafts work on the CATOBAR format while the IN carriers and their intended aircrafts (Mig29, nLCA) need to work on an angled deck STOBAR platform. As of right now none of the IN's future carriers are to be fitted with catapults.

Also, if I'm not mistaken the Gripen can be modified for STOBAR operations, and SAAB has actually offered to start such a program if this aircraft is selected by the IAF.

But how does the Naval variant come into picture? This is an AF tender.

Regards,
Anoop

 

[sancho]

I disagree in MHO here. Which Aircraft Carrier do you have in mind for the Rafales? If it is Admiral Gorshkov, then it is a package deal with Russia. Can't default on that and if it is the indigenous one then that's a very very long way off. And INS Viraat may become too old to carry Rafales by the time India inks this deal.

I don't mean Gorshkov cause we already bought Mig 29 K for that carrier, but even for that carrier IN asked if it's possible to use F18SH on it. The answer was yes, but only with much and costly modernisations. We have options for more Migs but there was reports that IN also showed interest in F35 VSTOL, so they are considering other aircrafts for our indigenous carriers and Rafale is one of the best aircraft carriers at the moment. As you said it's a long way to go till those carriers will be ready, and to modify them with catapults won't be a big problem. F18SH definitely needs them, I wonder if Rafale also could start with a sky jump, cause it's a very light fighter (navy version empty weight is only 10,196 kg).

Besides the naval version is a single seater, which has it's disadvantages. Perhaps Mr. Murad (if he reads this post) can enlighten us here as to which is better in what conditions. From what I gather, most aircraft designs post Gulf War, have been pro two-seat configuration.

That's true, that could be a problem.

Also, correct me if I am wrong, but French did not bring their Rafales for Aero-India 2009. Would I read too much into that? I would read just what one should. For a prospective customer, and such a huge order at that, I would always take a plane out to display.
.

Aero India is only PR! To attend it was good to get the public opinion on their side, but it says nothing about the capabilities of the aircraft. Only the trials will show that, based on them MoD will take a decision, not on PR posters or an airshow.

 

[Screaming Skull]

Spectra would not be coming with a ToT but it will be part of any Rafale purchase. Without Spectra, Rafale does not have much to offer.

Man u hv no idea!!! recently during Aero India 09 I was speaking to the Rafale delegates regarding the ToT and they told me that they are ready for 100% in letter n spirit including the SPECTRA. They are really pushin very hard for it and I wont be really surprised if IAF really goes for Rafale. The french unlike the russians are true to their word and the IAF knows it coz of the Mirage they operate. Not a single pbm so far with regards to spares and upgrades!!!!

 

[Super Falcon]

i think india will go for F 16 im 100% u will see it in future it is my gut feeling only time will tell F 18 is out of question because MIG 29 is as good as f 18 and IAF dont want a aircraft which have similar capability that they have before india vcery much lacks in single engine fiighter jet which they will fill with F 16

 

[shrivatsa]

i think india will go for F 16 im 100% u will see it in future it is my gut feeling only time will tell F 18 is out of question because MIG 29 is as good as f 18 and IAF dont want a aircraft which have similar capability that they have before india vcery much lacks in single engine fiighter jet which they will fill with F 16

India has been offered with f 18sh not f18