I've heared that the production line of Rafale was set up for up to 30 fighters a year, Mirage line was similar. Not sure about the Boeing line, but they have very good capabilities, so it should be at least that high as well.
How much time is needed in India is difficult to say, but I think the French companies have it easier, because they've done it in India before.
The F18 roadmap is mainly PR, it looks great but just counters the main shortfalls of the fighter. The first point is that the have to fund them additionally, which increases the cost. Secondly, most of it is not developed, the touchscreens for example are aimed to be ready in 2015 only, that's why Boeing officials only talks about the EPE and the new sensors in regard of the MMRCA. The CFTs, or the weapon pod should need even more time for R&D and integration. IF IAF wants these capabilities, they could have it with Rafale anyway, without the risk of delays in development, or taken unproven techs and the costs are pretty much the same:
F18SH flyaway cost is around $55 millions each (Rafale around $78)
+ fundings for integrated IRST
+ fundings for new cockpit design
+ fundings for higher thrust engine
+ fundings for laser and missile warner
All this only to offer the same that Rafale has today and will the F18 still be clearly cheaper?
And as I pointed out recently, the geolocating and passive cueing on radars is possible with any Rafale, while only the F18 Growlers have them on their wingtip pods. Which shows that the Rafale has still more to offer.
The only real advantage of the roadmap is the weapon pod, but I still have some doubts on how much the advantage really is, because it is an external pod and not attached to the airframe, like it is the case for the Silent Eagle. Moreover, not all weapons will be carried internally, the SR missiles will still remain on the wingtip pylons like the Boeing graphics showed. So how much is the real benefit in relation to the development costs here?
Just read on livefist that the commercial bids expire tomorrow, it would be very emberassing if we have to ask the vendors for new once again! by sancho
