Don’t shoot the messenger…

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/148693/russia-offers-brazil-stake-in-5th_gen-fighter.html

A Russian military delegation about to visit Brazil will offer joint development of a fifth-generation combat aircraft “of the type” of its own most newest fighter to Brazilian defense officials, a member of the delegation told RIA Novosti Monday.

The proposal appears to be in support of an unsolicited offer by Russia’s combat aircraft maker Sukhoi of its Su-35 fighter, that has been struck off Brazil’s shortlist for its air force’s F-X2 tender for the purchase of 36 fighter jets worth $4 billion. Russia is still hoping to sell the Su-35s or similar aircraft to Brazil outside the framework of that tender, sweetening the deal with the new proposal.

Also of note is a supposed proclamation of a 2016 in-service date for PAK-FA.

I am quick and vocal in my counter to what I perceive as comments that I think are not support by fact or at least by all likelihood. (i.e. odds)

I think I spot the problem. Perception of likelihood.

Still not a massive blow. though, is it? It’s not like Boeing might as well shut up shop and go home, is it? That’s what “massive blow” means.

Why are you so precious re. Boeing?

Your definition of massive blow is strange, by the general understanding of the term this is a massive blow. For any number of possible reasons.

You have a customer who has only purchased your product to date over your competitor, so is entrenched with all the support structure that entails, you have new and about to be launched products in the market segment they are interested in…. yet they go for your competitor? That raises serious questions about either your own product, or their confidence in your ability to deliver it.

Sure if you want to go with mostly foreign content (and the political restrictions that go with it) in your fighter.

Nic

As opposed to busting your defence budget to design and build a few hangar queens of your own.

Aside from the engine, there are precious little in the way of critical technologies in the Gripen that are foreign embargo sensitive.

Saab are comfortable with a GE engine. Others could use a Eurojet, Snecma or Saturn as they see fit…

Some will refuse to believe that a TRADEOFF has been made on the F-35, however this is one area (clearly) where one has been made !

The problem is – this compromise is one necessary to fit the F-35 on a LHD.

Is that compromise worth it? Well… 10 different people will give you 10 different answers to that one.

[Personally, I think the USMC should have been told to suck it up and live with a (maybe significant) harrier upgrade. Then the USAF and USN would have a much, much more effective aircraft. But that’s just me. Why cripple the performance of… oh… 2000 aircraft for the sake of 300?]

How much surface area do air to air missiles add to the side profile? Answer: 0 :eagerness:

The rebel scum will never see it coming!

At the end of the day its SOUTH KOREAN MONEY..If they wish to take the program towards the ORIGINAL REQUIREMENTS it’s their prerogative…

Indeed.

Which is why I was very uncomfortable with the protestations (and scope for protestations) that have surrounded recent contract tenders*. It has led to scenarios where procurement are unable to make any decision, never mind the right decision, in fear of legalities. Which has then led to substandard or deficient equipment having to be used in the field… with the resultant casualties.

I’d be inclined to make it clear in any RFP I’d issue: “Submit your offer, herein is what we will be looking for. The decision on who, if any, the contract is awarded to will be ours and ours alone. We don’t have to explain our reasoning. If you don’t like it, don’t submit a proposal.”

*I think its up to the end client – especially government organisations -to ensure they are free of corruption. Not the party offering the equipment/service.

[and this is from me… who fully realises the SK govt have probably been swayed by a few juicy powerpoint slides and buzzwords from LM. But its still their money to spend incorrectly if they so wish!]

Knowing Boeing’s capability in LO design, I have no doubt that F-15SE would have an RCS equal to or slightly better than PAK-FA and equal to J-20.

Breathtaking…