I’d have to agree with Quad on this one. By the time the MRCA start to come in, the Tejas II should be ready. A quick buy of 50 odd Pakfa direct from Russia might also be worth considering circa 2015-2020.

It is the shortfall of airframes till 2015, which is more of a concern, and this can only be addressed by puirchasing a/c that can be quickly inducted. More MiG-29SMTs and Qatari + UAE M2Ks might easily provide 2-3 sqds worth in 2-3 years. In a worst case scenario (delays in both Tejas II and Pakfa), perhaps a few extra MiG-29Ks could be bought by the IN – and certain duties be relagated to the IN.

The MRCA is rather late in the coming imho, and I can’t see the point of inducting this ultra expensive acquisition when a/c with similar (LCA mk2) and better (Pakfa) capabilities can be introduced in the same time period.

The “Medium” requirement can be handled by stop gap purchases of M2ks and SMTs. And the Tejas II should also address this requirement to some extent.

To conclude, save the $$s – invest in extra M2ks, SMTs, Tejas, Pakfa and the AMCA.

USS.

What! Where is my center MFD? Useless upgrade! Btw, what is that pod in the second picture?

USS

Well, the danger is very real imho – this whole thing could be scrapped. First, it was just Shukla, but now a bit from livefist as well. These guys are surely attuned to the noises coming out of the MOD/persons in the know.

One thing is for sure, that $ 10 billion budget does not look too comfortable for souped up Rafales/EFs – so let us see what financial wizardry is to be done.

USS.

Don`t think the c/l HDU would carry 2000 lt and a drum unit….

Yes, I’d agree – just the cobham? pod.

Totoro – yes, that is 1150 liters for the underwings and 2150liters for the centerl.

USS.

^ yes, it is unlikely to happen but not for the reason you point out. The M2k is a western bird anyway. The reason it is unlikely to happen is because the MRCA deal is almost done, kind of late to back out of it.

Not impossible though – the finmin might prevail and scuttle the deal if L1 tender is way beyond budget, which seems rather likely.

But seriously, I don’t see why an extra sqd of M2k + MKI + SMT + Tejas Mk1 doesnt’ make up for the MRCA in terms of pure numbers, and that too at a quicker pace (all inducted by 2015).

Bloody political circus!

USS.

It’s not really surprising that the typhoon was able to maintain its advantages over the other aircraft in terms of Thrust to weight ratio. What is surprising is that the Mig was able to produce similar performance.

I assume the heavy confer was a set weight/load for all of the aircraft to serve as a control element of a test. Therefore it would give you a good indication of each aircrafts performance.

Well it is not really surprising that the MiG-35 was up there when it comes to TWR. Its empty weight and thrust specs are v.similar to the tiffy’s (approx 11500kg:18000kgf). Probly carries more fuel internally though.

Two of the most powerful birds in the MRCA race for sure. The Rafale however, is not that far off, and better than the F-16 blk60, Shornet and Gripen NG. Take for example a load out of full internal fuel + 4 BVRAAM + 2 WVRAAM + 1000kg bombs, and the TWR will approximately look like:

EF: 11200 + 1000 + 4800 kg + 1000 = 18000/17000 = 1.0+
MiG: 11500 + 1000 + 5000kg + 1000 = 18000/17300 = 1.0+
Rafale: 9500 + 600 + 4800kg + 1000 = 15000/15900 < 1.0
F16/60: 10000 + 1000 + 3400kg + 1000 = 14500/15400 < 1.0
F-18E/F: 14500 + 1000 + 6500kg + 1000 = 20000/22000 < 1.0
Gripen NG: 7000 + 1000 + 3400kg + 1000 = 10000/11400 < 1.0

Of course, the F-16 will probably have the poorest range/radius in this situation.

USS.

Think this will interest Indian posters.
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/46070.html#cutid1

MiG building. First MiG-29K of the new batch is under construction, along with UPG airframes.

EDIT: A few of the airframes on the floor (not sure if you can see them in the pics) are for Myanmar. There are also unfinished airframes of ancient Soviet origin, supposedly planned for completion for an unknown customer, a contract with whom has not yet been finalized. Interesting, who is getting “new” MiG-29s?

What is quite interesting about the IN MiG-29s is the fact that the russians frequently mention “significantly” reduced radar signature. You can see that in at least a couple of external mods imho – first, the cross-tooth design on the radome, second, the decidedly sharp edges on the LERX (unlike the original 29).

Btw, that unknown customer might very well be India, there have been press reports that have suggested upgraded airframe numbers to exceed the current fleet of 63 odd a/c. Afterall, India did acquire as many as 80 birds. And there were losses – about 10-15 to attrition, which would mean replenishment might be required.

USS.