This article claims that more Su-30 is the backup plan if the Rafale deal fails:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/iaf-to-opt-for-sukhoi-30–if-rafale-deal-falls-flat.html

Debunked

“Apropos a report in a certain section of the media indicating IAF will opt for Sukhoi-30 if Rafale deal falls flat as on 08 Apr 2013. The IAF strongly denies such report. The CNC (Contract negotiations committee) process for acquisition of 126 MMRCA is underway and there is no thought process for any procurement as a ‘back up’ as reported.”

http://livefist.blogspot.fr/2013/04/negotiations-for-rafale-on-track-no.html

Completely different situation : Rafale F1 were a stop gap solution for ageing crusaders. And they are only ten.

Weak aerodynamic performance? Are you talking about RAfale? :confused:

Check this video of RAF of OMAN Jaguar very low altitude flights.

http://youtu.be/0vz2YR2Qigo

I am really impressed. I think Jaguar is not “deep penetration strike aircraft”. Tornado, F111 and Su-24 deserve this kind of title. But I think jaguar moer like “battlefield interdiction” aircraft just like Su-22 or Mig27 or F105 Thunderchief

Well… I guess F1 deserves the same type of video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d93WqklSzBI

Well… I doubt Raytheon would agree… Aswell as US congress. IR Meteor would surely be great, but would demand a highly demanding datalink i guess…

I know F35 has (and probably more powerful, longer range), but F35 isnt really oerational yet. And i’m fairly sure MBDA would ba happy to sell MICA to F35 customers ;).
I was just pointing the achievement. As you know, Rafale has benn way bashed for years…
Btw new AESA will be deployed during next NATO Tigermeet 🙂

Cross posting this photo of a lock by Rafale using spectra and passive sensors only … In it’s 6! Thanks to JR Vianney! He precise he can shoot mica in these conditions…

Not a militarily-significant amount. I have some figures in my files, but not the time to look them up right now. For the next week I will be travelling to warmer climes, and my mental energies are going to be focussed on nothing more modern than the 22nd Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.

All going well, I will try to dig out the SR-71 RCS stuff when I get back, provided that the Little Man with the Bad Haircut does not provide me with a new set of work-related priorities. But my experience has been that absence from my desk usually results in an overflowing IN tray.

GL with Bubastite