Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
BRAZIL ISCLOSE to releasing a requests for proposals for a Northrop F-5E/F upgrade programme. Avionics and structural updates for some 50 aircraft will enable the F-5 to be used as an interim air-defence aircraft until the Brazilian air force acquires a new fighter early next century.
Sources close to the programme expect a decision by mid-1998, leading to a five-year programme which will extend the F-5s' useful life by ten to 15 years - giving Brazil a gap-filler until a new fighter is acquired. A survey of available aircraft is expected in 1998, leading to a procurement decision around the year 2000. Adaptation of the selected fighter to Brazil's needs will take three to four years, however, and deliveries will be spread over several years to fit within the likely budget, sources say.
While Brazilian manufacturer Embraer is likely to act as system integrator for the F-5 upgrade, the prime contractor is expected to be an offshore supplier able to provide the financing Brazil requires. Israel's Elbit was selected to supply the weapon system for the ALX light-attack version of Embraer's Super Tucano, under development for the Brazilian air force, and must be seen as a strong contender for the F-5 upgrade programme.
No US companies bid for the ALX programme, and Brazil's insistence on having access to software source code (so that it can maintain and upgrade the system) is likely to bar their involvement in the F-5 upgrade unless US export restrictions are relaxed, sources say. Brazil wants similar guarantees on its new fighter, so that it can adapt the aircraft to its operating requirements and weapons.
Source: Flight International
