Sandhi Yudha
Well-Known Member
Thank you for your reply.The different Flankers have many important differences and use different systems that don't carry over from one to another. Adding complexity and more parts to an aircraft that is already notoriously difficult to maintain. So while they may be similar, they are still operating 16 aircraft in 4 distinct variations which is just wasteful.
As for the difference between the F-16 A and C types... well it's big enough to warrant a new type indication. And you're wrong about the MLU, I know that the Dutch aircraft at least are not as capable as as block 52, and they weren't upgraded to the AN/APG-68. It is also well known that F-16C/D's are heavier and less maneuverable, at least that's what I've heard from pilot interviews.
As for the flight hours. It seemed strange to me that they could double the flight hours on airframes that are already pretty old. I know the Dutch F-16's had been more worn out than expected at the time of the MLU, and many aircraft where upgraded before they reached their original 5000 hrs. It just seemed like a lot is all :O
Well the problem is that we do not know really the details of TNI-AU's eMLU and Falcon-Star. Are only the wing-body fasteners replaced, or larger parts like the whole wing?
TNI-AU do not share any information (or just a little bit) about it, only videos and photos of the first official test flight.
==> OPSSG
So you expect that the F-16V is out of the race because of the difficult relationship between the US and defence minister Prabowo? You can be right.
But that means that we also can expect that heavy helicopters like the CH-47 or V-22 will not be ordered, unless Prabowo is forced to accept it because there are no much alternatives.
Anyway he recently visited India.
www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-indonesia-pledge-deepened-collaboration
Big chance that Bollywood-fanboys are now fantasizing about LCA Tejasses armed with BrahMos missiles, but i do not expect Indonesia will get the BrahMos.
India finished last year the development of the air-launched variant BrahMos-A, weighing 2550 kg, for usage with the Su-30MKI.
But i dont know if Indonesia's Su-30MK2 can be easily modified for the Brahmos like the 30MKI, so ive my doubt about it.
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