ArmChairCivvy wrote:with Saab joining(?) isn't the new Gripen, now in testing, that sort of design and can feed into the new prgrm
- Swedes have worked wonders before: Draken went through Mach 2 (in an experimental config) with one of the engines that the EE Lightning had two of
They bring some really unique knowledge on minimising bloat in a project, yet delivering near peer capability.
There was an uninhabited Gripen concept some years back (speculative artwork above), that could be an interesting starting point for this 'Loyal Wingman' concept. This would be especially true:
ArmChairCivvy wrote:if it emerges that stealth is not as powerful as it is currently made to be
Furthermore, there's that initial design work on the 'Sea Gripen' that purportedly took place here, which (speculating wildly) would fit in nicely with the:
Gabriele wrote: Typhoon electronics are for the vast majority italian, if not in design and manufacture then in ownership. Even what is made in Edinburgh is LEONARDO owned. [...]
The development of a F-35 DAS-like system is already underway in Italy, which would give the TEMPEST the same kind of 360° IR coverage enjoyed by the F-35, but ITAR free.
Also, Oto Melara is involved in the 25mm gun of the F-35, while the UK has either bought german Mauser or had nothing for decades.
These are areas where I feel Italy would be more valuable and trustworthy as a partner than the non-French parts of FCAS.
With Rafale being a wholly (ish) French product, they are going fight hard to sustain nearly every component specialisation and niche in country. The infighting with German Airbus will be huge. I'd imagine particularly with regards to powerplant and aerostructures.
With the UK and Italy, as said before, they have been part of three different development programmes for the Tornado, Typhoon and Lightning. As Gabriele points out, the industrial links are deep and in place. We know how to play nice. Hopefully (based on £€$'s) the end product will be a world beater.
Just please don't let India join too early, or the whole thing will go to hell...
Jensy