I like the DCN Gowind designs (120, 170, 200).

http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/gowind120.html
http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/gowind170.html
http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/gowind200.html

—–JT—–

I think the FAB should focus on getting an excellent fifth generation fighter in a decade or so, either Typhoon or Rafale.

Actually Gripen, Typhoon, Rafale…etc. are all considered 4th gen fighters. I think the only 5th gen fighters to date are the F-35 and F-22.

It would be nice if a bunch of South American countries pooled their resources to buy one common new fighter…maybe have Argentina, Brazil, Chile (and others) along with India and Russia all develop a new lighter 5th gen fighter. Another nice option would be for these South American countries to develop their own light fighter together.

The diplomatic and economic situation is improving, but I still think both of those options are still a dream….although it would be nice. If these countries purchase new equipment, it may be more costly upfront but in the long term, they will not need a new fighter for at least 20-30 years. So it could be a long term investment.

—–JT—–

All the military forums are gone. I hope this is only temporary.

—–JT—–

The smartest move would be to have a little chat with ze germans, especially since Kockums is a part of german GSC.

Maybe Sweden will opt for the U212 or U214 (or a derivative of those designs).

—–JT—–

Here are some EuroNaval 2004 pic’s.

7seas, do you still have the pictures of the Gowind corvette models that from the EuroNaval show?

Thanks

—–JT—–

[QUOTE=wd1]the FLIR/CCD/laser sensor complex on the RAFAEL Typhoon, or for that matter the optronic/radar firecontrol systems used by most naval 76mm guns simply does not provide the sensitivity, tracking, ranging and high-speed processing capability needed to deal with modern ASMs. they were designed to shoot at boats and planes not missiles.QUOTE]

This shows the benefit of such systems as the RAMS and SADRAL, fire-and-forget. As long as you know where the missile is coming from, you can fire these missiles at the target without needing the complex target tracking.

—–JT—–

[QUOTE=wd1]

in any case locally-licensed versions of the RAFAEL Typhoon 25mm Gun System (http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/typhoon/Typhoon.html) will be installed on the Formidables in two positions on the port and starboard corners of the helicopter hangar. these are mainly for engaging small boats (bomb-laden terrorists ala USS Cole) but provide an elementary level of antimissile CIWS as well.
QUOTE]

You know, combining one of these systems with some air-burst ammunition (like the AHEAD rounds) could make these fairly effective as a last ditch CIWS. Not sure if they’ve gotten these ABM rounds down to 25mm but I believe they have made them in 30mm calibre, so 25mm may not be far behind.

Also, don’t forget that the Oto Melara 76mm system can fire the new DAVIDE guided round which turns it into a very effective CIWS.

—–JT—–