Each aircraft has their own design goals and despite their different market segments they frequently compete in tenders with not too transparent evaluation methods.
I’ve personally been promoted to “Armchair General” on this forum so I’ll throw the first rock!
Gripen E
USP1) Best networking
Beamed data links, long proven history of 4ship integration, SAT Com.
-JSF has Satcom/MADL
-Rafale/Eurofighter?
USP2) Superior availability
Lowest MTBF, very small maintenance, short turn around, smallest logistic foot print, STOL capable, low unit buying & flying cost.
-JSF is too expensive to fly, operate and is likely to have a HUGE availability penalty
-Rafale/Eurofighter?
USP3) Excellent EW suite
Already the good old Gripen C / MS 18 scored very well in the Swiss evaluation here.
Then add Inter ferrometers, towed decoy, swashplate AESA x band jamming and the full Gripen E updates.
-JSP, even better RWR (?) but no jamming except for fixed AESA radar
-Eurofighter, turn MAWS on and say “hello to the world”
-Rafale, Rafales best selling point? But what does it have that Gripen E doesn’t? (bigger budget for EW software?)
No Go1)
Long hauls of heavy loads
Small fighter just can’t take to many sensors, weapons and fuel in combination.
No Go2)
Deep penetration of IADS
EW , LO (non VLO) & supercruise but no VLO or even anti-radiation missile. Have a beer and stay home on the first day of war..
JSF
USP1)
VLO design
USP2)
Best Situational awareness
USP3)
Made in USA..
No Go1)
Not a good interceptor in a 1 type airforce
I stick to the clan that believe “Cant turn nor run” in relation to other 4,5 Gen aircraft unless well selected criteria’s” (Targeting pod, drop tanks on, 2t of weapons, altitude to suit poor wingloading, subsonic speed).
No Go2)
Price, you will have a small airforce of hangar queens… Don’t even look at this aircraft before you ticked off all boxes on the want to have list…
Pls give a shot at the Rafale and Eurofighters USP’s.
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October 30, 2013 at 11:10 am