mixtex, srbin..
if you two do not mind, I will create a seperate thread on this. My intention was more towards operation costs and competitiveness of the new light fighters (FC-1, Golden Eagle, etc) vs existing ones like earlier F-16s and F-5Es, etc.

As for third world.. I don’t really like the term because it’s too broad.. most countries use the terms such as NEC (newly exporting countries) to classify 3rd world countries that are not quite underdeveloped but not on the same scale of development as say the US, etc.. examples would be Malaysia and S. Africa which obviously can afford gripens. But if in reference to sub-saharan africa..that is a different story.

For one thing the A-50 is approximately 20-25 million per aicraft according to Flug-Revue while the F-16 block 52 and 60 can run anywhere from 50-60 million.. that is a significant difference.. but Like i said.. it depends WHAT models, and you’ve simply stated just the F-16.

Also I’d like to see some stats on operation costs.. the Gripen, which uses a similar engine to the Golden Eagle and is more complicated.. is still cheaper to operate than an F-16. I do hope you realize that the F404 is NOT the same as an F110.

and while I do agree that it may not find that much of an export market for trainers..it may very well find a market for light fighters, similar to others of its kind such as the FC-1.

“cheap fighters” like the Korean T/F-50 are not cheap or simple to operate. The T/F-50 is about the same price and complexity as the F-16, so why would you opt for a smaller, lower power fighter when you can get the top of the line performace at the same price?

Based on what stats? further more what kind of F-16?

Mig better get that Algeria contract. Or hope the FC-1 does sell 1000 😀 so the RD-93 could bring money into its coffer.

Mig did get the Algeria contract, which included MiG-29Ms and MiG-AT. it was posted a few pages ago.

actually, the fc-1 problem is not limited to only that of the forum I’ve linked. it’s a problem that’s rampant even here in afm which is why i am trying to bring it to everyone’s attention. this fc-1 competition needs to be addressed cooly and by all af us. it shouldn’t be a topic to be argued over.

I haven’t seen any FC-1 competition of sorts here in a long time quite honestly. Things here seem to be pretty smooth at the moment

for a stealthy light fighter, I hope some one can turn this model into something real.

Again congrats and nice pics!

I think USD 95 million is not bad at all.

Raptor – 300+ mil
BLK 60 – 80 mil
F-2 – 90 mil
M2K mk2 – 70 mil
F-15T – ??
Rafale – ??
Gripen – ??

Ok! Cannot compare with flanker prices, but I still think its not bad.

Rafale has often been quoted as beign 10% cheaper than Typhoon..so does that mean it’s about 85 million? 😀

in all seriousness, I don’t think the 95 is unit price alone.. (although most cost stats now includ the whole package)..

I’ve seen M2K mk2 from around 50-63 million.. I’ve yet to find the 70 million figures..
Gripen seems to cost as much as the M2K.

but how about this.. can 1 Typhoon = 2 or even 3 Flankers capability wise? although of course, 3 flankers would definitely keep your air crew busy.