Actually, this thread should be kept separate because this thread compares the three aircrafts that will be fighting for sales for next two decades. This thread can serve the purpose of thrashing out each aircraft’s strenghts and weaknesses, of course based on facts 😉 .

Also, the Indian contract will most likely be the spring board that the respective companies need for future sales and this is one of the few markets that the US can’t screw around with, e.g. South Korea, Singapore, Australia, etc. So, theoretically, each aircraft has an equal chance of winning… not counting any Russian/French strong arm tactics.

Perrys were mainly for fleet ASW ops. Why would the IN want the old Perrys when the P28 ASW corvette order has just been placed?

If the resistance to the M2K is based on it “being just an upgraded version of a vintage aircraft”? Then all of the competitors (Mig-29 and F-16) would be excluded except the Gripen.

Obviously, the IAF and their procurement and force planning guys want a proven, low cost of operations, and high-tech plane with an initial price that doesn’t break the bank. That rules out all of the other candidate new planes on the market.

Food for thought, first pic is of a Gripen with an Israeli weapon and sensor suite. It includes Python 5, Derby, Spice bomb range and precision enhancement kit and Litening 2 pod.

Second pic is of the IR-OTIS equipped Gripen.

:dev2:

Nope, the US doesn’t fund internal Israeli programs. That’s the main gripe b/w Israel and the US. The US funding goes towards subsidizing US companies, not Israeli ones. Hence, my point. I referred to the Israeli military INDUSTRY not the military. It’s not in the US’ interests to develop the Israeli industry hence Israeli funds the vast majority of its industry from internal resources. Nearly all of Israel’s success in the military export business has been on the back of its internally developed products. Please educate yourself first and then make snide remarks.

That rod and clutch system was one of the critical technologies that had to be mastered for the project to move forward.

US has its Roswell, now China will have its Lanzhou… and in a few years, there will be a lame show on the Chinese version of WB about children from Lanzhou 😛

What is a “gas-turbine boiler”?

Also, this news confirms that the ship will go through a complete machinery overhaul.