From Defense Aerospace

 

Air Force Command Pre-Selects Candidates for F-X2 Project

(Source: Brazilian Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 1, 2008)

(Issued in Portuguese; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

 

The Air Force Command has announced that, as specified in the plan for the renewal of the combat aircraft fleet of the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB), it has completed an initial step in the selection process of new multirole fighters.

 

The Management Committee of the Project F-X2 (CGPF-X2), instituted on May 15, 2008, led the evaluation studies of the preselected aircraft (Boeing F-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-16 Adv, Saab Gripen NG and Sukhoi SU-35) in order to produce a short-list at this stage of the process.

 

The short-list aims to guarantee that the operational requirements for the multirole fighter aircraft, as established by the Air Force General Staff, are met, and to allow the in-depth evaluation of the candidate weapon systems which have been down-selected.

 

The initial evaluation was based on information supplied by the companies in reply to the Request for Information (RFI) published in June 2008. The data provided by the manufacturers were systematically evaluated according to several criteria, including operational, logistic, technical, offsets and technology transfer to Brazil’s national industry.

 

In the coming phase of the selection process, evaluations will concentrate on the following aircraft that have been short-listed (in alphabetical order): Boeing (F-18E/F Super Hornet), Dassault Aviation (Rafale) and Saab (Gripen NG).

 

The 36 aircraft that make up the first batch must be delivered from 2014, and must have a useful operational life of at least 30 years. Thus, over the coming years, the air force will gradually replace the fighter aircraft currently in service: Mirage 2000, F-5M and A-1M.

 

The know-how and technological qualification acquired through this acquisition program will contribute to Brazil’s capability to produce, or to participate in the production, of 5th generation fighter aircraft in the medium and long term.

 

Finally, the Air Force Command points out that this process represents an important advance for its defence industry, with lasting consequences that will make possible long-term strategic partnerships.

 

The winning contender will be selected in the course of next year, as soon as the subsequent phases are concluded. (ends)

 

 

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet a Finalist in Brazil Fighter Aircraft Competition

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Oct. 01, 2008)

 

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company today announced that the Brazilian Air Force has selected the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet as one of three aircraft to be evaluated in the Request for Proposals phase of Brazil's F-X2 fighter competition.

 

The F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet was among six fighter aircraft originally under consideration. Brazil is expected to make a final contract award in late 2009. The stated initial requirement is for 36 aircraft, with the potential for up to 120 aircraft.

 

"Boeing is honored that Brazil has selected the Super Hornet as a finalist for the next phase of the F-X2 competition," said Bob Gower, F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This selection reinforces the Super Hornet's ability to meet the operational requirements of the Brazilian Air Force and the forward-leaning stance of the U.S. government regarding transparency and technology release. Boeing looks forward to establishing long-term partnerships with the Brazilian Air Force, Brazilian industry and the government of Brazil."

 

The Block II Super Hornet, with its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, presents a comprehensive multi-role capability solution at an affordable price. Boeing has delivered 367 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy to date, all on or ahead of schedule.

 

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide. (ends)

 

 

Saab’s Gripen One Alternative As Future Fighter for Brazil

(Source: Saab AB; issued Oct. 2, 2008)

 

The Gripen NG (Next Generation) multi-role fighter is on the short list as one alternative to equip the Brazilian Air Force.

 

“Our answer to the Request for Information (RFI) that we handed in to the Brazilian Air Force in August includes a fighter that perfectly fits their needs, as well as full support regarding spare parts, logistics and training”, explains Bengt Janér, marketing director for Brazil, Gripen International.

 

Saab’s response also confirms the willingness to include Brazilian industry, share know how, and transfer the most modern technology existing today. The Gripen NG offer from Saab is supported by the Swedish Government.

 

“We are pleased to be included by the Brazilian Air Force in the ongoing selection process and are ready to submit at very attractive proposal”, says Lennart Sindahl, Executive Vice President, Saab.

 

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

I remember now this site (full of information and data, in portuguese language !!), when the author, "a là" Carlo Kopp, demands some time ago the Su-32FN as future brazilian fighter, also with ASW capacities ! :

http://sistemadearmas.sites.uol.com.br/

Indigenous or multinational FX-2 propost (including F-104 with AL-31F engine !):

http://sistemadearmas.sites.uol.com.br/fx/fxbr.html

Su-32FN propost (with phased array radar, capable of detection of submerges subs in the surface waves pattern!):

http://sistemadearmas.sites.uol.com.br/ca/su32-01.html

 

And don't forget the last news of the future brazilian SSN:

http://www.yournuclearnews.com/news_item.php?newsID=11323

But is a very old story ......

http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/brazil/nuke/

"The completion date for the navy's nuclear-powered submarine was postponed several times, from 1995 to 2010"

 

I remember a very similar story in the Indian SSN program.