Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighter For The Indian Navy - Updates & Discussions

[Rajput Lion]

I think it is possible to have a GaN antenna on RBE2AESA, so you may have it before F5, if you agree to pay.

It is rumored that Spectra antennas already are in GaN, so it is possible, but :
- GaN modules remain expensive, and a radar antenna has far more T/R, so cost ++
- The range of a GaN antenna is bigger than the one of a AsGa. If your hardware is not powerfull enough to scan the bigger space seen by the antenna, it is not optimum.

So the french decided to study a complete new radar, with a GaN antenna, a far more powerfull hardware behind, and a pinch or two of IA to help : XG one.

If Rafale F4.xx wins MRFA, then it's entirely possible that we may demand an all-new GaN radar or GaN dish on RBE2 AESA backend!! Anyways, GaN for SPECTRA shall be realized before that, so that's quite good for us.

I think the value of Rafale far excels, GaN vs GaAS debate as it's an excellent plane by design. You French have really created a marvel. Rafale is literally a 'do it all' plane.

Just hope Rafale wins MRFA competition and we end up with over 200 Rafales(what was our original choice).

 

[randomradio]

They just have to take the Rafale M and they will have all these improvements at the same time, plus the capacity to add CFTs without structural problems.

They should have had a much faster replacement cycle once the SH's original goal failed. Instead they wasted time with the F-35C. The F/A-XX should have been in production right now.

 

[Parthu]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1863465923862048832

 

[randomradio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1863465923862048832

Both were expected this year. Only the IAF's LCA order could be delayed, although I hope it goes through this year.

It's been the navy's year overall, with the Guardians and SSNs.

Prediction made, prediction executed.

 

[Hydra]

Both were expected this year. Only the IAF's LCA order could be delayed, although I hope it goes through this year.

It's been the navy's year overall, with the Guardians and SSNs.

Prediction made, prediction executed.

Any remote chance that IAF will get follow on orders for Rafale?

 

[randomradio]

Any remote chance that IAF will get follow on orders for Rafale?

Unlikely without a significant change in our security environment. MRFA is the only route for 4th gen right now.

In fact, going for an alternative at this time will ruin the IAF's efforts towards MRFA.

An alternative is possible for 5th or 6th gen stopgap though. This route has been open since 2018. Money, tech availabilty, and politics are the major constraints.

 

[Picdelamirand-oil]

Unlikely without a significant change in our security environment. MRFA is the only route for 4th gen right now.

In fact, going for an alternative at this time will ruin the IAF's efforts towards MRFA.

An alternative is possible for 5th or 6th gen stopgap though. This route has been open since 2018. Money, tech availabilty, and politics are the major constraints.

Rafale F5 with Ghatak drones is as good as fifth-generation American aircraft

 

[Sathya]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1863465923862048832

 

[randomradio]

Rafale F5 with Ghatak drones is as good as fifth-generation American aircraft

Then how good will F-35/Su-57M + Ghatak be? Ghatak will be the common factor regardless of the fighter.

 

[Hydra]

Then how good will F-35/Su-57M + Ghatak be? Ghatak will be the common factor regardless of the fighter.

What is the endurance and range of Ghatak? Heard that its an hour, if true its useles for most missions.

 

[randomradio]

What is the endurance and range of Ghatak? Heard that its an hour, if true its useles for most missions.

It will be more than a fighter jet. Flying wing design carries a lot of fuel, plus single engine. Its internal payload will be bigger than AMCA's.

 

[Hydra]

It will be more than a fighter jet. Flying wing design carries a lot of fuel, plus single engine. Its internal payload will be bigger than AMCA's.

My bad, it was the spec of swift not Ghatak

 

[Picdelamirand-oil]

Then how good will F-35/Su-57M + Ghatak be? Ghatak will be the common factor regardless of the fighter.

Almost as well

 

[randomradio]

Almost as well

Only if we restrict ourselves to the Indian environment, with hard borders with all potential adversaries. The F-35 gets better as the envorinment gets harder. And FGFA goes a step further. In fact, with the FGFA, Ghatak becomes insufficient.

 

[Ashwin]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1877419261070594429