Zabaniyah
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Some of us including me, have mentioned that the MIG-35 would be good for the BAF.
Some even stated that the MIG-29 realistically addresses all of BAF's requirements for the cost-effective aircraft.
After some fact finding and discussions, it was found that MIGs or even Sukhois aren't that great for the BAF. It was also found that the F-7s are operationally more feasible than the MIG-29s in the context of the BAF. Even though the F-7 may be technologically inferior to the MIG-29.
Here are the reasons why the BAF shouldn't go for more MIGs, but instead go for Chinese or Western jets:
-Twin engined aircraft use up more fuel. Russian engines consume a lot of fuel.
- Russian engines have a lower life and requires more maintenance than Western made engines. That means higher operational costs over the next 15 years; that is, the time frame for upgrades.
- From the experience of both the IAF and BAF, the Russian made RD-33 engines on the MIG-29s can be very problematic. Coupled with high operational costs, this adds more costs to the overall aircraft. This is one of the reasons why the Indians turned to Western made jets during the MMRCA.
- The bottom line is, it is not just the unit costs that count. What counts is the life-cycle costs of the overall aircraft. What matters are, good quality weapons and spares, weapons and spares delivered on time, good end user support from the supplier, and overall a good future potential. The MIGs don't offer those!
Some even stated that the MIG-29 realistically addresses all of BAF's requirements for the cost-effective aircraft.
After some fact finding and discussions, it was found that MIGs or even Sukhois aren't that great for the BAF. It was also found that the F-7s are operationally more feasible than the MIG-29s in the context of the BAF. Even though the F-7 may be technologically inferior to the MIG-29.
Here are the reasons why the BAF shouldn't go for more MIGs, but instead go for Chinese or Western jets:
-Twin engined aircraft use up more fuel. Russian engines consume a lot of fuel.
- Russian engines have a lower life and requires more maintenance than Western made engines. That means higher operational costs over the next 15 years; that is, the time frame for upgrades.
- From the experience of both the IAF and BAF, the Russian made RD-33 engines on the MIG-29s can be very problematic. Coupled with high operational costs, this adds more costs to the overall aircraft. This is one of the reasons why the Indians turned to Western made jets during the MMRCA.
- The bottom line is, it is not just the unit costs that count. What counts is the life-cycle costs of the overall aircraft. What matters are, good quality weapons and spares, weapons and spares delivered on time, good end user support from the supplier, and overall a good future potential. The MIGs don't offer those!
who will give money ?
