RSAF Fighter shortlist announced

last SG · 2003-10-11T18:20:12+00:00

as long give some to changi can liao

bcoy SG

A question I have for sometime - while it was widely reported the the new aircraft will replace the remaining A4, what about the replacement of the the F5? The F5 play a different role from that of the A4.
I read somewhere that eventually, the RSAF will have 2 main fighter aircraft types - F16 and the new aircraft, with the F16 being replaced (JSF?) in 2015 onwards. Wouldn't the new aircraft, although multirole, play a more air-to-air role (Like the F5)?
Rafale, Typoon or F15T?

tankee1981 SG

I am wondering what are the actual roles of the 3 fighter planes in RSAF. Currently F-16 is used for interception(F-16C) and ground support(F-16D), A-4SU for ground and naval support and F-5S(air to air/patroling). Am I right? So if we replaced the a-4 with the new plane then there will be alot of overlapping of responsibilities because both the new plane and F-16 are suitable for multi-role missions. In that case what will be their new roles? Very Happy

kopiosatu SG

multi-role, pao ka liao, can cover each other when needed

|-|05| SG

The E/F upgrade was in the works for very long liaoz.....In 1986 a more advanced version of a F-18 or F-16 was studied incase the A-12 project proved to costly.June 1992 was the contract for a new improved E/F hornet.The A-12 which was a navy-air force program for an attack plane was canned in 1991 leaving the F-18E/F as the only plane other than the ATF which was planned.The ATF at that time was the F-15C repalcement making it an air to air fighter leaving the F-18 as the only attack option left.However the F-16's ended up being upgraded so there Razz Surprising how the F-18E/F 1st test model the E-1 was 1st flown in 1996!!!4 years to design and then 4 years to test...that's as long as the freaking ATF program!

spencer99 SG

I think that the only "specialized" aircrafts are:

F-16D - SEAD roles to suppress enemy air defences because of its specialized electronics

RF-5E - Recon

A-4SU - Ground attack as it doesn't have any airborne intercept radar.

The other aircrafts like F5E/F, F16A/B/C are essentially multi-role.

duotiga83 SG

1 thing for sure......the Rafale trip here during AA is not wasted Laughing

|-|05| SG

true but aint the rafale alittle expensive??

duotiga83 SG

so does F-15 Rolling Eyes ...typhoon also in between these two......

|-|05| SG

but in terms of spares?since only 1 country is using them.....

duotiga83 SG

well...being 1st customer doesn't mean it will be only 1st customer....things do change man.......only time tells....

kopiosatu SG

next year then the decision...

but i'm thinking they'll get the typhoon

duotiga83 SG

i think is a hard fight........i think is either Tyhpoon vs F-15 or F-15 vs Rafale Confused

|-|05| SG

well the typhoon already has a large customer base meaning no matter what parts will still be cheaper while the rafale is still an unknown.....

duotiga83 SG

only question is........in tranche 2 we'll be choosing in regards to air-to-ground weapons.......in upgrading both typhoon and rafale is the same in terms of radar(AMSAR)

|-|05| SG

Well only good thing i see coming out of the rafale is that we'd get involved in the designing of the exports's electronic package...

akula SG

Political and being too reliant on American hardware issues aside. It makes sense to have F-15s since we already operate a large number of american planes. The weapon systems integration will be easier. In addition, with our upgraded AWACS that has Israeli tech and missiles like pythons and ammraam, operating F-15s will make us somewhat similar to the Israelis who operates 15s and 16s. This synergy can be built with relative ease among our current systems then integrating Rafale or Typhoon.

However, it doesn't matter it's Typhoon or F-15 for me. Coz I like both. =P But.... imagine a Rafale parking side by side with the F-16s...at Tengah..... hmm... they look the same size and makes me wonder does the Rafale does alot of things the F-16s cannot do. Mr. Green hmmm... <== just a farnee feeling. Rafale is a good jet.

duotiga83 SG

frm eurofighter.com

Eurofighter Typhoon Downselect in Singapore 10 October 2003

Eurofighter GmbH is pleased to announce notification of a decision by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in Singapore to downselect Typhoon for the final stage of the countrys Next Fighter Replacement (NFR) competition.

Commenting on the downselect announcement, Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer Eurofighter GmbH stated; I believe the decision by Singapore is a clear recognition of the power behind the Eurofighter partnership. We are fully committed with our partners to demonstrating the technical and performance capabilities of the Weapon System. This is combined with a clear route for technology transfer that will seek to enhance core indigenous capabilities in Singapore. Alongside this effort we will also work to further develop a powerful industrial partnership between Singapores high technology industry and Europes leading defence and aerospace companies - Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS and EADS.

This initial success in Singapore is a further indication of the growing credibility and maturity of the Eurofighter programme as a new generation fighter. Following Type Acceptance of the Weapon System by the four nation customers in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, covering a programme for 620 aircraft plus an option for a further 90 aircraft, Eurofighter has also been selected by Austria to meet their requirements for a new generation fighter.

Eurofighter Typhoon is unique in representing core operational and industrial capabilities of the European defence and aerospace industry. A major factor in extending this capability and industrial potential is an understanding of the principle of a credible partnership that incorporates Government, Air Force and industrial participation in the programme. The Eurofighter Partner Companies and EUROJET are committed to extending the technical and industrial potential of the programme through high quality/high performance technology transfer with potential export customers.

Blockhead SG

Funky pic of a F-15 in Singapore markings found at Boeing website

IAF SG

F-15SU Super Strike Eagle!

Viper52 SG

Singapore narrows fighter competition

Brendan Sobie/Singapore

Boeing, Dassault and Eurofighter bids are shortlisted

Flight International
14th - 20th Oct 2003

Singapore has shortlisted the Boeing F-15T, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon in its next-generation fighter competition.

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 and Sukhoi Su-30/35 have been excluded. Singapore, however, could still place a follow-on order for F-16s.

Boeing, Dassault and Eurofighter will now respond to a tender for eight fighters, with the winner to be selected in late 2004 or 2005 and deliveries starting in 2008 or 2009. Singapore's ministry of defence, which had been planning a 10 aircraft buy plus 10 options, now says a follow-on purchase for 12-16 fighters is possible "in the near future".

Many anticipated the Rafale would be eliminated because it made after-deadline revisions after the French government dropped financial support for the export variant. Dassault is now offering Singapore the option of investing in a new variant, with upgraded Snecma engines and Thales avionics.

Singapore is entertaining this proposal because of the extra work it would provide for Singapore Technologies Aerospace. But it is still considered a long shot because of the anticipated steep development price tag and the likelihood it will not be ready by 2008.

The F-15T, probably equipped with Raytheon's active electronically scanned APG-63 radar, requires the least local work and is the most certain to meet the 2008 requirement.

Industry sources say Lockheed is surprised the F-16 was rejected given Singapore's current F-16 inventory. But Singapore could still opt for more F-16s - either on top of or instead of a new fighter - as it re-evaluates its force structure next year

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