Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Brazil is re-evaluating the Alenia Fiar Grifo F radar as an alternative to the Elta EL/MH 2032 system for its planned avionics upgrade of the NorthropF-5E/F fighter, while Elbit continues to struggle to finalise an integration contract.
The Brazilian air force's F-5BR programme office confirms that it has "decided to revisit Fiar to have an updated view of the Grifo radar". Elbit and its local partner, Embraer, had originally offered both systems, but the Israeli radar was preferred.
Fiar officials had conceded the loss to Elta, but this latest move again throws open the radar competition. "The decision which one is going to be integrated into the F-5BR is a matter of choice for the Brazilian air force, as foreseen in our term of conditions with Elbit and Embraer," says the programme office.
The air force says Elbit's technical submission met operational requirements. Industry sources claim the contrary, saying that Brazil stipulated a 400W radar and the retention of the F-5's twin nose-mounted cannons. Elbit instead proposed a 200W version of the 2032,which would require removal of one of the 20mm guns.
Fiar is understood to be backing up its Grifo proposal with an attractive industrial offset package. In addition to co-producing theF-5 radar, local Brazilian manufacturer Tectelcom is being offered work in the area of ground and weather radars. The company produces the Scipio radar for the Italian/Brazilian AMX.
This latest development comes as Elbit fends off moves from Marconi Electronic Systems and Sagem to oust the Israeli company as integrator. Industry insiders have alleged tendering irregularities, which in turn is prompting the local media to ask air force senior officers searching questions (Flight International, 25-31 August).
The F-5BR programme office refutes any such suggestion, claiming all tender submissions made last October complied with its best and final offer selection process.
Source: Flight International
