Well, why couldn’t you install two EJ-200’s or F414’s in a Stealthy Platform very much like the F-35. (i.e. two small turbo fans vs one large turbo fan)

Because if you want an internal weapons load capability as volumous as that of the F-35 – using a larger single engine solution is much more efficient. Having two smaller turbofans in the EJ200 class and 2x2000lb Bombs + 2 BVRAAMs internally = considerably larger + heavier aircraft. It means less internal fuel capacity, added drag and increased weight – which translates to poorer kinematics – less range – higher procurement price and operating costs.
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MOTORCYCLE TIRES

Are you aware that the US does not have a monopoly on jet engine technology?

Current European powerplants are most likely insufficient in powering an aircraft that has the combination of F-35 kinematics + F-35 internal weapons load + F-35 LO + F-35 internal fuel. So for all intents and purposes – unless you buy from the US/Russia or Europe invests in larger fighter turbofans – its not a reality.
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Jailbroken

also a fairly low risk if they lever technology from the Gripen.

I wouldn’t be confident about that at all. I think this represents a massive engineering challenge for SAAB – as alot of the difficult stuff won’t be able to be transfered from the Gripen.

I doubt they would recieve much US support if it becomes a threat to F-35. How much support would they recieve from the European companies who produce EF and Rafale?

Without such support – I can see the engineering challenges of building a VLO/LO jet in the class of F-35 being a bit overwhelming for SAAB. I can’t see a western engine sufficient for the jet other than the F119/135/136. EJ200/F414 will likely be underpowered – especially if they want current levels of fighter performance. Will P&W/GE be allowed to sell such engines in a non F-22/F-35?

Can SAAB do their own FCS – especially when the jet is aiming to be VLO/LO? Will LM/BAE be allowed to help?

Can they integrate sufficiently low emission electronics/radar? Their data link is fantastic – but I doubt it’s sufficient for a true VLO jet.

There are so many concerns that it would take a few pages to put them all down – I struggle to see them producing a jet any cheaper than JSF with US/European support. Without it I don’t see it being realistically possible at all.
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EXPERT INSURANCE

Bizaar why? What significant capability upgrade does the EF offer over the RAAF’s updated AGP-73 + AMRAAM equipped F-18s? What additional capability does it offer over those Harpoon equipped F-18s for maritime strike for example?

A vast gulf in overall airframe performance that would cripple the F-18 (the worst BVR performer of the teens) in BVR – especially since they would have missile parity. Not to mention a Radar/IRST combo and an ESM/ECM system that leaves the F-18 standing. The EF promises future integration into the Meteor program – and would allow Australia to tap into the future Taurus/Storm Shadow cruise missiles – missile’s that haven’t been plagued like JASSM.
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Cs@Vaporite.Net

No you cannot really generalise as so many factors are relavent to range. Lift to Drag ratio being one of the most important factors – as it essentially determines the altitude the aircraft operates and how efficiently it operates at that altitude.
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Kitchen Measures

Super Hornet seems high given that it’s usually hauling around a centerline tank.

Thats because FF isn’t proportional to range.
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VOLCANO DIGIT VAPORIZER

Govt likely to drop plan to procure F-22 planes

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20081228TDY01302.htm

The moves to abandon efforts to acquire the cutting-edge F-22 follow signs that the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Barack Obama is leaning toward curbing or even halting production of the aircraft, the sources said.

You have reposted the initial article/thread starter. It’s best if you read the thread first mate. Oh and can you please link me to your sources on MIE scattering in the F-35 thread. I’m interested to learn.
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VIDEO REVIEWS

Hmm. DAS plus HOBS, they say. Exactly when are F-35s going to be carrying AIM-9Xs?

Thats the big issue ;).