[quote=zraver;490180]Uhmm its had the ability with a loadout for awhile.
ZRAVER, honestly, all I have been able to find is something that says the original Gripen can cruise at M1.05, "only on a cold day in Sweden." This is hardly worth trumpeting as an asset, achieving M1.05 in the transonic region where drag is the most problematic, is not worthy of a sales pitch. Do you have anything official, thanks in advance if you have, I can`t find much.
The newer NG is heavier than the original A models and current models, unless the 414 has a significant thrust/efficiency increase that can offset the NG weight growth, I can`t see the supercruise tag sticking any better. Fuel capacity has been increased, adding weight, if engine thrust is increased, the added fuel is moot, unless pilots show judicious use of throttle position!
Quote:
Originally Posted by zraver
Eurofighter is the one that can only supercruise clean.
|
Typhoon demonstrated M1.2 supercruise with a basic loadout of AAM`s and a centreline tank during the Singapore competition, every time it was asked, in hot conditions, not at all in only clean config. This seems to be something people everywhere keep missing. With EJ-220 more thrust is available, current EJ-200`s have an increased wartime thrust setting which will eat into its life cycle hours if used, but will certainly be utilized if deemed necessary.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zraver
if India wants a fighter force that can scatter to the highways to avoid Pakistani or Chinese missiles the Gripen is the right plane. Being able to disperse gives the air force a level of force protection a purely runway bound fleet cannot match.
|
You are correct in that this is the designed in doctrine with Gripen, it all depends on what India wants of its MRCA. Does India specify this? It would be a bonus, but the extra range of the other fighters is also a bonus.
Deep strike missions are going to be hard for the Gripen fully loaded, but that is something that can be leveled at Typhoon, Rafale and S/Hornet. Only the big Su`s come out looking Rosy there.
Don`t get me wrong, I actually admire Gripen, but I think there are better solutions for India. If two engines are indeed specified, as seems correct, Gripen is immediately shown the door alongside the Viper.
In fact, India won`t go very wrong buying E model Eagles. If I were Indian, this is the ship I would go for, huge capacity, cutting edge systems, massive range, powerful motors.