There will be a lot of newvous countries, UK, RAAF, Netherlands
etc. Not to mention the USMC and USN. But like I said, if the
program needs money thats simply not there, it would be as
Singaporeans say, lan-lan
[/b][/quote]
Let's not discuss on whether JSF will make it ON TIME or not.
What's the relevant for 2020?[/b][/quote]
Heh heh, just a random year I selected. I used the hoped-for JSF
entry-into-service date of 2012, factored in delays and then
waiting for our turn and got that date
1) A2A engagements will happen at longer ranges - assuming your
rules of engagement doesn't require eyeballing friend or foe before
firing.
2) RCS will be a major factor - same as navy. Actually if one has
networking it is possible to fused RF returns from different
platforms in different angles. So then........how?
3) More missions will be unmanned - probably NGF as mother ship for
mid-course guidance or re-targetting.
4) 2 heads better than one - definitely a must with all the
information to digest.
5) Advanced sensors and datalinks
6) Smarter faster and more agile weapons
7) Airframe/Propulsion - thrust vectoring relevant? FBW will
lighten pilot's burden but that's old stuff, unless you want to
talk to the plane?
Seems airframe and propulsion is inconsequential aside from RCS and
cost effective maintainability issues. Days of pulling Gs and
sucking air are over if technology is what 'they' say it is.......
Typhoon is out! Rafale's only selling point is the radar plus
potential tech transfer.
F-15 has all the above with proven LANTIRN BUT minus tech
transfer.
I'm not too sure Typhoon is out. There are 2-seat versions
available, and they're supposed to be combat capable as well. The
consortium's problem is that for too long, they've failed to
present a united front regarding development matters and more than
once, looked like they're pulling in different directions. I've no
doubt they've got a great product, they just need to work more on
ironing out some pretty serious issues.
I'm also not sure that Rafale's "only selling point is the radar
plus potential tech transfer". Lets not forget USN F-14s and F-18s
were creamed by the Rafale F1s in WVR and the Yanks didn't want to
try BVR after that. Arguably the newer F-15s are better aircraft,
but I've no doubt that Rafale can hold its own vis-a-vis the best
F-15s the Yanks can offer.
As for the LANTIRN, its OBSOLETE. The other pods on the market,
such as Litening II, Sniper etc beats it hands down.
