06-20-2011, 03:35 PM
[quote name='Raj Malhotra' date='17 June 2011 - 08:59 PM' timestamp='1308372694' post='111976']
From open sources the radars being offered with F-18/16 went into serial production around 2003-6. The issue is whether the Rafale AESA which we will get in 2016 or thereabouts be more advanced inspite of 10 year difference or US will continue to hold the advantage. That is to say, whether the leading edge French tech would be better or not, compared to trailing edge US tech?? I don't think that there is any simple answer to this question.
[/quote]
Malhotra Maharaj,
The RBE2-AA radar which will be on the Rafale which India has been offered has GaN modules and uses SiGe semiconductors to establish the lower threshold for beam formation. This is a first rate radar, in addition to the fact that it is not downgraded and all the source codes will be made available to the Indians. However, if it pleases you, for your divine sake, I would be happy to say that the RBE2-AA radar is inferior to the early WWII ones!
I told you above, its not only the radar that counts. Its the sensor fusion, the airframe characteristics, weapons, weapons + fuel load,...... along with a number of issues that make for a good aircraft. How can the IAF chose a/c that flunked in the all important Leh test? Perhaps these are issues you should provide answers to!
From open sources the radars being offered with F-18/16 went into serial production around 2003-6. The issue is whether the Rafale AESA which we will get in 2016 or thereabouts be more advanced inspite of 10 year difference or US will continue to hold the advantage. That is to say, whether the leading edge French tech would be better or not, compared to trailing edge US tech?? I don't think that there is any simple answer to this question.
[/quote]
Malhotra Maharaj,
The RBE2-AA radar which will be on the Rafale which India has been offered has GaN modules and uses SiGe semiconductors to establish the lower threshold for beam formation. This is a first rate radar, in addition to the fact that it is not downgraded and all the source codes will be made available to the Indians. However, if it pleases you, for your divine sake, I would be happy to say that the RBE2-AA radar is inferior to the early WWII ones!
I told you above, its not only the radar that counts. Its the sensor fusion, the airframe characteristics, weapons, weapons + fuel load,...... along with a number of issues that make for a good aircraft. How can the IAF chose a/c that flunked in the all important Leh test? Perhaps these are issues you should provide answers to!