In the case of Sweetman and the F-35, there is at least the possibility that the AWST travel budget was more lavish that its Jane’s equivalent, so he was able to get closer to the programme and got to understand it (and its problems) better.

You would know that quite well, right? 😉

The number of T/R modules are dictated what frequency the modules are optimized for. The diffraction limit gives the closest you can put the modules is half the wavelength.

Generalizing:
lower wavelength = less modules => less resolution, longer range
higher wavelength = more modules => higher resolution, shorter range

Depending on how frequency agile you want the radar to be with, you might want to have some wiggle-room as well.

With this in mind you must also factor in engineering decisions when judging performance penalties in regards to having 840 modules vs. 1000 modules..

I foresee zero gripen naval sales.

.. And there where ofcourse naval stealth designs like Sweden’s stealth demonstrator Smyge designed in the early-mid 80ies, designed by the defense research agency. I would be surprised if they did not also have aircraft designs.

The demonstrator kept the radome AFAIK, so that would be the pre production NG due to roll out in March then, but i havn’t heard anything of it, and don’t believe it either.
Any info/link Kirtap ?

http://bambuser.com/channel/folkochforsvar/broadcast/1321456

It’s in there somewhere. Think around ~20 min or so in.

Odd Werin from FMV discusses different alternatives for future gripen roadmap. Two alternatives that was pitched was 1) the more expensive solution with F414 + raven aesa + structural changes or 2) smaller modifications to RM12 + miniturized version of the raven aesa + no structural changes

So it is my interpretation that a new larger radome would be needed

You can see gripens blocker in this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwu8wCNUpkA&feature=player_detailpage#t=73s

(I can add that SAAB is interested regardless of the outcome of MMRCA)

Yes. A nuclear programme existed and was research went very far, with the Agesta and Marviken reactors producing weapon grade plutonium. The whole thing was canceled in 60’s though because of lack of political will and costs, the money from the program was transfered to R&D for Airplane 37 (Viggen)