Not directly related to the IAF, but I’m sure they’ll keep an eye on this development as well. the pics are those of the NAL-ISRO-CSIR new regional transport, the RTA-70, that will include a number of private sector players as well in the development, including Infosys Technologies as well
…..
Diehl had displayed a mock-up of the cabin interiors for the RTA-70 recently.

So in a fuselage with a height of 2,3m, they manage to have a passager section with 1,90m height and a cargo hold 0,9m high?

Amazing!

Zombiethread…

Truly pathetic reporting.

For starters note that (even IF you believe the numbers) the PROJECTED cost groth is 57% and 89% yet the headline say “nearly 90%”.

The headline is absolutely spot on. It says “..up to nearly 90%”
Truely pathetic reporting on your behalf.

The Dutch wanted a number of modifications that Northrop didn’t want to approve. So instead, the NF-5 was built by and tested together with Canadair. Of course Northrop later more or less stole the slatted NF-5 wing and put it on the F-5E.

But why the F-5 at all then? Well, considering Northrop had already lined prince Bernhard’s pockets, there was little consideration for the fact that the military wanted something more akin to the A-4.

For what reasons Algerian (see in this thread above) and Omani (see links below) Lynx helicopters carries British roundels and serials ?

Factory test flights.

…but I guess the cost of running eight massive turbojets must be a dampner on the whole idea.

Those eight engines (actually Kuznetsov NK-87 low-bypass turbofans) were only used all at take-off, to blow a cushion or ‘screen’ (hence the name ekranoplan) of air under the wings, to lift the beast off. Cruising would have been done on two engines.

It’s easier illustrated with the Orlyonok Ken posted a picture of; the two jet engines in it’s nose (two NK-8 turbofans) were for take-off, cruise was only with the big twin-prop on it’s tail.

Was there competition for the A400?

Europe never pretended there was.

To be honest, it makes for a rather late attempt at competing with the Mi-8/17 series. But whereas you can find low-houred Hip airframes without much of a problem (plenty of former Soviet military machines which had a pretty quiet life), I doubt you can find S61 airframes in any decent nick.

Also, supplies for the Mi-8/17 are plentiful since those things are well established all over the world. Introducing something like the Sea King in Afghanistan just at the moment when they are beginning to see their long-awaited retirement in most of the worlds services looks like a recipe for a logistical disaster.

Ten or fifteen years ago it might have worked. Now i think it’s too little, too late.