$11 bn in the balance, a no-show by Gripen fighter

[desiman]

calls not over yet...desiman....?

waiting for your posts..

calls not over yet...desiman....?

waiting for your posts..

ok made a few calls and here is the story -

The Gripen has many variants as we all know. The Primary variants are –


JAS 39A
Fighter version that first entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. A modification program has started and 31 of these will be upgraded to C/D standard.

JAS 39B
Two-seat version of the A variant. This variant is 2 feet 2 inches longer than the single seat version.

JAS 39C
NATO-compatible version of Gripen with extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This variant can also be refueled in flight.

JAS 39D
Two-seat version of the C variant.

Gripen Demo or Gripen D
A two-seat technology demonstrator for improvements slated for the Gripen NG.

Gripen NG/IN
(Next Generation) Proposed version with new engine (F414G), increased fuel capacity, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The Gripen IN version is a contender for the Indian MRCA competition.

Sea Gripen
Proposed carrier-based version based on the NG/IN version.


The variant that was flown to the trails is primarily a Gripen D variant. As we can see, Saab has introduced a new variant the Gripen NG/IN which stand for “ New generation” for the MRCA deal. As per Swedish authorities the new variant’s capabilities were shown to the MOD during the technical evaluation and for the flight evaluation the NG is not needed as D variant is capable of doing that. The NG variant is still undergoing trials and improvements in Sweden and Swedish authorities felt that it was too soon for it to undergo such heavy testing. However if stressed upon the NG variant can also be made available. The MOD and the IAF are already said to be very impressed with the performance of the Gripen during their visit to Sweden last year. The Swedish Airforce is also buying the NG variant, therefore Saab wants to make sure it is fully ready to be tested and no embarrassing situations occur. As per the guy I know at MOD, Saab was also not very keen on bringing the newest version into Indian skies with all the competitors in the neighborhood. They want the introduction of the NG variant as secretive as possible. The MOD and IAF are already quite aware of what the NG variant will offer them so that is why the MOD has not stressed upon testing the newer version. I hope that answers all your concerns feel free to ask if there are any more questions.
Regards
DM

 

[desiman]

wow from what i have heard the MRCA deal is going to be a nail bitter lol. I would personally love to see the F-18 in Indian colors.

 

[desiman]

Technical Summary

Aircraft data:
Length (excluding pitot tube): 14.1m (46ft 3in)
Length (Two-Seat variant): 14.8m (48ft 5in)
Wing span (including launchers): 8.4m (27ft 6in)
Height overall: 4.5m (14ft 8in)
Maximum take-off weight: 14 tonnes
Maximum speed: M2.0 and supersonic at all altitudes

Key Features:
Advanced aerodynamic combining a close coupled canard-delta configuration.
Lightweight structure employing advanced materials and construction techniques.
The world´s most highly developed data link.

Triplex, digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System for optimum combat agility.
Fully-integrated avionic systems operating via five MIL-STD 1553B digital data bus highways.

Advanced cockpit layout with large color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls.

Long range Ericsson PS-05/A multi-mode, pulse doppler radar.

Powerful, fuel efficient, Volvo Aero Corporation RM12 turbofan engine.

On Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) and Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR).

Low visual radar and Infra-Red (IR) signatures.

Heavy and varied weapons load covering all mission parameters - Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground, Air-to-Sea, Reconnaissance and Advanced Tactical Training - an unrivalled mix of simplicity and sophistication.

50% lower operating costs than its best competitor.

“On-condition" maintenance.

Capable of operating from simple road bases and dispersed bases with the minimum of maintenance personnel and ground support equipment.

Cockpit and Display System:
The Gripen cockpit is dominated by three large, full color, Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a wide angle diffractive optics Head-Up Display (HUD) with a holographic combiner. A highly efficient human-machine interface has been integrated into the Gripen to substantially ease pilot workload, particularly in combat situations. This provides a Gripen pilot with outstanding situation awareness, ensuring unrivalled operational effectiveness. It also increases the time available for tactical decision-making allowing the pilot to use the aircraft and weapons system to maximum effect.
The main functions of each display are as follows:

Head-Up Display (HUD) - providing FLIR imagery and weapon aiming information superimposed on the outside world at all altitudes.

Flight Data Display (FDD) - provides flight data and system status information about the engine, fuel and external stores.

Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) - provides navigational and tactical mission data superimposed on an electronic map of selectable scale.

Multi-Sensor Display (MSD) - presents information from the radar, FLIR imagery and other sensors. Flight and fire control data are also superimposed.

Radar:
The primary sensor of the Gripen target acquisition/weapons aiming system is the long range Ericsson PS-05/A radar. The Gripen radar is a compact, long-range, high performance multi-mode pulse doppler radar with a modular architecture and high reliability, offering high resolution, excellent look-down performance and good Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) capabilities. Using state-of-the-art technology, including fully programmable signal and data processors, the radar is able to handle all types of air defence, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions with built in growth potential to meet future requirements.

Powerplant:
The Volvo Aero Corporation RM12 is a modular, fuel efficient, low bypass ratio afterburning turbofan in the 80 KN (18,000lb) thrust class. It is based on the General Electric F-404-400 which has attained several million flight hours in operations world wide - with several enhancements incorporated by Volvo including increased thrust and bird strike resistance.

 

[sancho]

how about a mix of gripen and eurofighter for respective neighbors....
and rafale for navy........

First of all, the forces try to reduce the types and cost, not to increase and IAF already stated that only 1 vendor will win the competition!
Secondly what should be the benefit of this mix?
Gripen NG, Rafale and EF, all delta-canard designs, highly maneuverable, low RCSs, good avionics and the main BVR missile for all 3 will be Meteor.
So in A2A they will offer pretty much the same performance, especially in combination with our AWACS. A50 Phalcon will detect the enemy, these 3 would engage them in the same way with Meteor, data links and their low RCS in BVR, as well as with their maneuverability in WVR.
There is only 1 real difference that distinguish these 3 from each other for India, A2G capabilities! And only 1 of them can offer these in a sufficient way for IAF and IN, the Rafale.

 

[jha]

wow from what i have heard the MRCA deal is going to be a nail bitter lol. I would personally love to see the F-18 in Indian colors.

i agree with you almost every time but this time i must part my way...

i wold like to see 1. typhoon 2. Gripen 3. rafale then only SH..

SH should be chosen only if GROWLERs are offered with them to make up for the TOT...

 

[desiman]

i agree with you almost every time but this time i must part my way...

i wold like to see 1. typhoon 2. Gripen 3. rafale then only SH..

SH should be chosen only if GROWLERs are offered with them to make up for the TOT...

I am not sure about the Growlers yet, I have heard rumors but nothing concrete we will have to wait and watch. I would love to see the Typhoon win but its cost always turn me off.

 

[AVADI]

Mods please merge this thread with MRCA thread