How much would an F-35 cost in 1998 though, if we’re using those numbers?

What a pointless question is that ? :confused:
Anyway, a block 60 is a plane ready to be produced right now, and for any customer while the F-35 is still late for testing.

In that case, why would you believe that a capability available in the RDY-3 will be omitted from its big brother?

Because it’s two products from two totally technological trees for the area + treatment of the signal ?

They lied. 🙁

I clearly remind every french geostrategic expert laughing at the possibility of an official “open competition” saying that what really matter is the link with US army and USAF, nothing more.

I remember it being reported that Dassault asked Japan for assurances that the winner of any evaluation would be selected, & didn’t get a reply.

True, and I think it was a very akward decision from Dassault because (for what I know of the japanese culture) asking “Can you prove us you will be honest” sound like an insult to them.

This is one of the main issues as I see it,what do Lula really want? When he publically voiced his preference for the Rafale it was after a meeting with Sarkozy who had promised unlimited technology transfer and a significant price cut. Lula was very proud of having achieved such good conditions from his french friend. Soon it became clear that these promises, especially regarding the price,was quite exaggerated and had little to do with the reality.

The problem is that Dassault is a private company and it seems that Mr Sarkozy, as usual, talked about things that he isn’t in charge of.

If I were Lula I had been quite dissapointed for being embarassed in such a way from supposedly a friend.

There is no friends, only interest.
What is the interest of Brazil ? For what I understand, it’s the capacity to have an independant military industry which means tranfert of technologies + parternship. It’s obvious that the game is between Dassault and Saab. I believe that France is the perfect partner for that, I perfectly understand that someone could dissagre with me.

By the way I’m not surprised that the Rafale succeeded in Leh trials since high altitude performance was the reason why the IAF relied mainly on the Mirages 2000 during the Kargil war. So Dassault had no choice but to live up to IAF’s expectations when it comes to this particular issue.)?

I think it’s a very optimisstic view of the problem. Mirage 2000 enjoy a specific advantage thanks to his engine that is at his full potential in high altitude.

When reading the forums, people seem to consider that the final contest is going to be played out between Saab and Dassault. But can’t we expect Boeing to cause a stir?

As i said it’s all about what Brazil want. USA has always been very keen to avoid to let an ally gain its independance, something that certainly won’t change in a close future.

There are several errors in that Istoe story, for instance they claim that the SH became much more expensive than originally anticipated. In reality it was developed on budget and ahead of schedule…

The fact that the developement of the NG has been on the track isn’t antagonist with a possible higher cost of ownership.

3 meteor :

3 ? You mean 3, just like 2 ? Or am I blind ? 🙂

Using the KFX-201 model as the representative of Korea’s stealth program is inaccurate. The main design that is preferred is the F-35 because it is a stealthier design and also less riskier.

I made a little correction :diablo:

ART i disagree with these statements and here is why:

1. If a Raptor can go up against 6-8 times the odds and win isn’t it worth every penny?

2. The raptor in its current form is a MUCH better striker than the Rafale

3. Yes it is expensive and it will be sought after in a major conflict. why risk it being hit by small arms fire down low when you need it!?

since only USA use Raptor, you’re not talking of any situation of war, but only if your country is fighting USA.

First Test Flight of Rafale Fighter Powered by Upgraded M88-4E Engine

“4E” ?
Why does it looks like a very marketing name ?