Why do I prefer the F16D over the F16C?

It would be nice if India could sell this airplane to some European countries once they have developed it, maybe make it somewhat modular so that the Europeans can fit their own radar if they want to.

Nic

I think there should be two different programs one for USAF one for USN, and each fighter should have the requirement to be able to replace the other program if it need be.

Then the other manufacturer’s program would replace the LM program down the line and fill both the USN & the USAF requirements at much better bang for the buck once the LM program fails miserably.

Nic

Not necessarily. The Eurofigher will be nearing retirement so probably won’t field 2040s tech (an awkward phrase). It’ll probably have a sensor fit from an MLU dating back to 2025-30. Will we field technology capable of entirely eroding RCS in that time-frame? Most firms developing fighter aircraft in the world are probably hoping that’s not the case (except perhaps for Saab). Maybe they’d develop some sort of strap-on gadget (an even more awkward phrase) nullifying stealth post-2030?

You only need your drone to be stealth & subsonic, and have good onboard sensors & datalink to transmit data to accompanying fighters (any two seater will do). Direct LOS AESA datalink will enable a stealth drone & fighter to work in tandem, with the drone going anywhere the fighter can’t in hairy scenarios and expanding weapons or sending firing coordinates to other assets.

Nic

Having said that the F-15C and F-15E fleets would be on the back of the F-35 Fleet which as per current plans is going to be greater than 2000 units. You also have the F-22A.

You then have to factor in that there are over 500 F-18E/F super hornets with the Navy, and there FA-XX efforts should result in some sort of LRIP by the early 2030’s. The USAF should also have a 6th generation fighter by the early to mid 2030’s. The F-15C and F-15E would not exist as front line fighters in that time-frame. Had there been no F-22’s and F-35’s you would have replaced them much earlier or taken a capability hit.

The USAF isn’t claiming that the F-15C in the 2030’s will be a cutting edge fighter just like all the F-4 operators in the world at the moment aren’t claiming that their fighter is the best in the world.

That wasn’t my point, F18E/F are here to stay, but now it turns out that the F15 too! So with 2000 odd F35s + the F22 fleet, how many bazillion planes do you guys expect to field in 2040?

Nic

considering the Rafale’s motives, it is about maintaining national industry for the French, and their independance in supplying weapons.

If you go by the last quote of the last head of EADS, who is a traitor in chief apparently, this is a thing of the past. Specialisation by country is going to enable interdependance between european members of EADS.

Nic

But the aircraft that was evaluated was the Rafale M F1. The upgraded Rafale M F3 was introduced into service only very recently. I doubt that the IN would’ve received anything but F1s if the Rafale were to have been selected back then..

Admiral (retd.) Arun Prakash with the Rafale M F1 at what looks like Istres.

As already stated this is a Rafale B. Secondly there is not biplace Rafale M, so I if he really flew one of those he flew solo, which I find quite unlikely.

Nic