Brahmananda wrote:EF can't super cruise at mach 1.35, it barely gets to mach 1.2 with a full load of A2A missiles. The only known aircraft that can cruise faster are the f-22 and may be the su-35BM. there are even claims that the EF can't supercruise with a decent payload in the link below.
I've read varying claims most putting the speed around Mach 1.3 under optimum conditions with a standard A2A load. But, even Mach 1.2 is pretty decent.
Even the Gripen NG can supposedly supercruise with a good amount of stores.
Its got a lower t/w ratio and substantially higher wing loading(compared to EF), so I'd be very doubtful of that claim.
The SH like all the other aircraft can climb high, turn on reheat, go supersonic and fire its missiles at speeds over mach 1 so they can achieve almost max range as well. doesnt mean one has to supercruise to attain max firing range. they just have to fly over 50k feet and go supersonic. the new engine that SH is getting will only improve its incredible performance in all regimes. when flying against the SH, the radar it carries itself is capable of awacs. SH can do this with ease, it can also tank other aircraft and not just buddies.
If its already on afterburners and flying at that speed, well and good. If not, it'll take time to get into that launch position. Also, using afterburners swallows fuel and therefore limits the sortie's duration.
Indeed the SH has one of the lowest if not the lowest rcs among the contenders. now most missile approach warning systems can detect missiles and combine it with the RWR for active radar missiles. But by the time a missile can be detected on the RWR its too late, the missile is already in its terminal guidance mode with its active radar searching for it and with the latest missiles no amount of chaff can actually stop it.
Not chaff alone certainly, but factor in electronic jamming, towed decoys, besides early detection of the missile itself by enemy aircraft or an enemy AEW&C.
Even if we go for the EF we are better off with Aim-120D which if EF can supercruise at meaningful mach speeds can be very useful and even more effective than the Meteor and safer for long range kills. With the Swashplate AESA that it will recieve, the EF and aim-120D combo will be cheaper and i think ensure first shot against forseable targets.
Depends on the Meteor's performance relative to the Aim-120D. Remains to be seen, but I'm sure the IAF will have an accurate idea.
Personally dont like Gripen NG, nice aircraft but single engine and the Tejas mk-2 i am sure will outperform it in everyway.
My understanding(and I could be wrong) is that the only major development expected in the Tejas Mk2 is the new engine and perhaps some updated avionics. The Mk2 should then be able to achieve the IAF's original ASR.
There is little in terms of critical advantages that any of the birds enjoy over the 35, BVR or WVR, least of all the American contenders. If they have a marginal advantage in terms of electronics and sensors, it is often offset by excellent kinematics and OLS on the 35. 
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this is embarrassing. NO!