[--Leo--];2520208 said:
IF With same hardware points 7
IF with same radar with some upgrades
IF with RCS
IF with Same Engine RD-93
only additional is air refueling just that costing us 10 million dollars you can explain the word why?
?? the addition is NOT costing us ten million dollars but the R&D for it does run close to a million with the additional equipment and structural additions costing another amount.
The R&D costs for the improvements in avionics is above a million dollars both in equipment and man hours.
The final cost per airframe that includes the R&D costs is around 15 million..
NOW...what aircraft gives you the following for 15 million?:
1. 8000 hour guaranteed lifecycle.
2. short field capability with full load (3 tanks + 4 missiles)
3. Multiple target BVR engagement capability
4. Ability to use all existing dumb weaponry with accuracy matching or exceeding those of the F-16 block-30.
5. Ability to use precision and guided A2G weapons including but not restricted to: GBU-12,LT-2GB,C-802,MAR-1 and more .
6. maintenance cost per 100 hours less than 1/5th that of the F-16 block-15.
7. Excellent maneuverability both at altitude and in low level flight that matches the F-16 block-15.
8. Complete glass cockpit with HOTAS and HMD that is NVG capable.
9. ECM suite that is capable of protecting aircraft in dense electronic environment.
10.Combat radius >400 km that can be extended with A2A refuelling.
So if you can find a brand spanking new fighter that can do all of that within that or even close to that price..Ill personally start calling the Thunder a mistake.