Dassault Rafale Thread

The head of the Brazilian Air Force sought information Friday on a crash involving two French Rafale fighter jets similar to those Brazil may purchase, a military spokesman told AFP.

The Dassault Rafale jet is competing with the US Boeing-made F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Gripen NG made by Sweden's Saab for a contract to supply 36 planes to the air force estimated at several billion euros.

"The air force has called on French authorities to provide access to the investigation into the accident on Thursday involving two Rafale fighter jets," the spokesman said.

The information will be "given to the airforce committee that is studying the bids" put forth by the three companies, he added.

"The accident will not change anything about the evaluation of the air force commission," which will provide its own recommendation on the bids, the spokesman emphasized.

Brazil's government has openly said it favors the Rafale because France has offered to share technology with Brazil.

The technology transfer offer was repeated and confirmed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in meetings with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, but the other two manufacturers have been given a chance to improve their bids.

French Defense Minister Herve Morin has ordered an investigation into Thursday's crash, when two Rafale jets plunged into the Mediterranean Sea as they were returning to their aircraft carrier after a test flight, the French Navy said.

One of the pilots was rescued, while the search continues for the other aviator.

http://news.ph.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3607357

Ouch, French Navy didn't have but 26 of them... now 24.

Captain Romain : Rafale Pilot in Afghanistan

Exclusive Interview conducted by Iowan Thoraval



Captain Romain , you have served in Afghanistan with the Rafale . In actual operations , what are the qualities of the device? What brings you there in situations of stress such that you could live in ?

In actual operation , the driver Rafale appreciates its first interoperability link data (Known as L16 ), which allows it to easily find the display on other aircraft and especially tankers. In an environment where the rule of see and avoid premium , it is very important ...

Finally, the autonomy of our new aircraft brings an undeniably more certain : we can stay longer in support of the troops who seek our help. For a foot soldier in the heart of Afghanistan , this is not a detail that he can count on us for a long time ...

This winter we will be equipped with a laser designation pod we will include information from the sky to ground troops on their environment or to gain autonomy if we were to rescue them .



The preparation and execution of a mission Rafale does differ from those on an aircraft like the Mirage 2000?

The preparation and execution of a mission Rafale does not differ from those of an aircraft as Mirage 2000Even if the crews on the Rafale , everything is easier and safer , thanks to the plane: having two engines instead of one, it counts as operating in France is much safer .

In a machine as complex in terms of technology, what are the aids to maintenance? What is the rate of aircraft availability from the Mirage 2000 also present in Afghanistan ?

Maintenance is computerized and it is very fast and very effective : In 12 months of presence in Afghanistan , the Rafale has cancelled one mission for a technical problem , which is really very good in terms of availability ...



You mention in your book of the fear of fratricide or fatal to people. On a theater like Afghanistan , where Taliban can closely mingled with the population , the firing of weapons seems to be impossible. What are the procedures to be observed by a pilot ? And did he have the right to refuse to deliver his weapons if he feels the situation demands it?

I can not reveal here the rules of engagement that we are required to follow in Afghanistan . What is certain is that on one hand our rules of engagement, we guarantee this kind of disaster and other crews are very careful not to commit the irreparable .



Your squadron participated in Exercise Red Flag in 2008 , in order to prepare the French air forces in tactical interoperability . Were you present ? What did you learn from this exercise?

Our allies were clearly amazed by our new GPS -powered bomb ( called AASM for Air Armament Modular Floor ) , our autonomy and our total versatility .



In a video debriefing , it is clearly stated by Col. Terrence Fornof that the Rafale did not clearly incurred during this period but have scanned most of the other aircraft emissions . http://canadadefencesovereignty.blogspot.com/2008/11 / indian - air - force - red- flag - critique.html A clarification on this?

Make a Red Flag for French fighter pilot , is the absolute dream . Think for one second that French might have a chance to participate without commitment to an is just proof of a breach of our state of mind.

Earlier this year of war " size " , a detachment went on the basis of Luke in Arizona . Sirpa A video shows the F-16 in bad shape . American pilots have looked very impressed by the aggressiveness of the Rafale in close combat. An officer praised the men and the aircraft with a term unequivocal : " Outstanding " . Beyond the political differences between governments, seem very strong ties linking the French and American pilots . What do you think of ?

Our nations are linked by history: we are the first U.S. allies .

Finally , beyond nationalities , the same passion animates all fighter pilots. And as this business is our favorite topic of conversation , the links are created always very pale when one thinks .


After the Dubai Airshow in 2009 , an exercise called Advanced Tactical Leadership Course ( DPAC ) , was first seen confronting planes hunting the latest from the base of Al Dhafra . Some information has filtered the results of commitments and they are very surprising about the capabilities of the Rafale. Surprising because the habit is rather to hear or read in the French press unflattering remarks about the French aircraft . How to interpret this phenomenon ?

An exercise level TRA is a litmus test for aircraft, crews and mechanics. Based on men who serve, the Rafale was shown in this exercise all its combat effectiveness. France has a large aviation history , it is normal that we produce excellent aircraft and it is clearly the case with the Rafale.


Turning now to the results of this exercise. The commander of your squadron speaks of " putting sheets "for UK participants Eurofhigter equipped with a ratio of seven victories for one, with the gradient of side arms of the Rafale. What do we degraded weapons and what were the rules of engagement?

In a commitment to TRA , two Rafale engaged , using their whole system but simulating a weapon that requires taking more risk than normal , four Eurofighter . The two Rafale Typhoon kills four who used all their normal abilities, without loss . The rules of engagement were "beyond visual range "- " beyond visual range " .

( For the experts, the Rafale were then simulated using a semi-active missile while the missile is normally used by the Rafale is an active missile , which can be put away quickly after a shot . )



And what are the differences between the two weapon systems , whether in terms of sensors and apprehension of information thereof by the driver?

All have always dreamed of hundreds of fighter pilots in the Mirage F1 and Mirage 2000 became reality in the Rafale. It is the fruit of a long common adventure between Dassault and the French Air Force . The Rafale is the culmination of decades of experience in military aviation .

Finally , the Rafale fighter aircraft the most complete:

It is extremely formidable in maneuvering and so Dogfight . For example, faced with a Eurofighter engaged in combat with a view to starting to equality, we know we need a few tens of seconds to validate a ' gun kill '.

In air combat BVR (beyond visual range, ie at ranges of several tens of kilometers) , the system provides Rafale summarize the information they need from multiple sensors. This information is therefore more accurate. We can do without one or two sensors throughout a fight while remaining extremely dangerous for the enemy . This gives us access to new tactics of particular interest.

Finally, with an extension greater than the previous generation aircraft , it carries two times more air - ground weapons . The AASM , the new GPS French bomb that is powered over tens of kilometers , gives the Rafale 's ability to replace itself in several Mirage is at once more efficient and taking much less risk.

The Eurofighter is a plane built for aerial combat and he does less well than the Rafale , which is yet versatile ( air combat , bombing, reconnaissance ) .



And the aerodynamic capabilities of the extraordinary French plane ?

Dassault has a skill which is at the forefront of what is done fighter in the world thanks to its latest Mirage. This expertise does not just happen , it talks .

The most impressive part of the exercise TRA is the confrontation with members of your squadron have been facing the American F -22 Raptor , described by all observers as a kind of ultimate weapon air , largely in advance to all levels , without rival . Little information has filtered out face to face Franco- American . Why Americans Have restricted only to pass the battle cannon and what were the configurations of carrying two devices ?

What is certain is that limiting a single fight in close combat gun , it does not really make sense today: even very close to another aircraft and face to face , our missiles are infrared Mica capable of destroying their target . However , during his various battles against the guns Raptor , Rafale has had many opportunities to shoot Mica IR, unannounced , as not forming part of the framework agreed by the Americans for such liabilities. Both planes were smooth .



What you have told your colleagues on the behavior of American fighter ? That represents a plane so advanced for you ?

The Rafale is a very successful aircraft that does not need his radar to fight a " beyond visual range . It's a plane with whom everything is easy, probably the biggest masterpiece of Dassault. The Raptor is a beautiful plane, but the Rafale is clearly an excellent choice for France .


A mirage 2000-9 UAE piloted by a French cannon succeeded a pass on an F - 22. What give reason to Eric Gerard when he said that the thrust vector is not useful in combat . You are talking about close air combat exercise as a random, subject to factors beyond the qualities of the aircraft themselves . What do you mean by that?

In close combat , it teaches that "the view that's life . " Indeed, if we see a little too late the other aircraft , the battle may be lost before it began. Or have the " tally "( I see another plane) in time is a random exercise even when it was the sight of a fighter pilot : aircraft approach each other at about 2000 km / h and the other aircraft may also come from the area near the dazzling sun ... This is an example , there are other random factors.

Finally , I think that Eric Gerard is right to say that the thrust vector is useless : we have seen.


The Rafale , the F- 22, the only aircraft in service with stealth characteristics . I've heard in a meeting that was secretive side . You have a unique instrument known as optronics frontal area . What is this tool and what benefits can you draw in air combat ?

This is a camera equipped with a laser rangefinder and located on the nose of our plane. So weather permitting , we can move completely from the radar . We can also visually identify the aircraft that we have persevered and at distances that ensure our safety.



The Rafale is the first truly omnirôle plane . That is to say that he is able to perform all the functions previously specialized aircraft to a single type of missions in a single flight. Do you have a concrete illustration implementing the full range of tools available on the Rafale , including electronic warfare ?

Every day we train to make the most versatility of the Rafale . For example , there is little I worked for a young driver a scenario where we had to move to within a territory defended by aircraft to perform radar mapping , find all our 12 targets , simulating bombardment with our A2SM and leave. Thus within a few minutes, my young team-mate and I have simulated the two of us firing five air-air missiles and 12 bombs, air to ground using all the capabilities of our radar and while scrambling . We have not suffered losses and we have inflicted some kills to our adversaries .

Captain Cedric "Rut " Ruet said sometimes cash load factors of up to 11 G depending on the configuration of its demonstration . How a pilot can withstand such accelerations without losing consciousness ? Have you been subjected to such strong acceleration during your mission ?

The Rafale is the most comfortable aircraft I know. The tilt of its head enables us to collect more easily than G Mirage 2000, for example . The commitment of combat sight is when we may need to take as many G : the first turn often determines the outcome of the battle ...



Almost 25 years have passed since the first flight of demonstrator. Considering the increasing technological complexity of equipment, a country like France could she build only the next generation of fighter aircraft ? Y would he have only one ?

France has a prestigious history in the construction of fighter aircraft. We all remember the qualities of its time the Mirage III for example. I do not see how France could not take his share in the next generation of fighter aircraft.


Some see a military air entirely devoted to robots, drones . This vision is realistic? What is the singularity of a pilot in command of a fighter ?

I think the UAV is remotely piloted the future . Not necessarily on the model that flies in Afghanistan right now , but probably closer to the fighter. A pilot brings his view of 360 degrees and experience . Until now it is clear that the perception of a remote environment is much more partial than that allowed by the presence of the driver directly into the cockpit . When technologies will overcome the cockpit , the drone will definitely not on the plane that we know today .

How does your daily training in Saint- Dizier ?

When we start our day , we organize our work according to the flight on which we are programmed . We are dedicated to it , at least two hours before takeoff . This minimum period allows us to be aware of weather conditions , to determine the educational objectives of the flight , choose the tactics we will use and prepare the mission and the pre-flight briefing .

In a complex preparation , the preparation time can quickly exceed the half - dozen hours .

The flight lasts about one hour. Frequently we train to refuel in flight, mechanically delaying our landing . Those who have read my book will understand that this training is not redundant ... Sometimes we train as long flights , exceeding the 5am flight.

Once the flight is completed, we unload the data from the flight for each aircraft involved in an analysis system that allows us to draw all the lessons of our mission to all crew members. This phase may take 1:00 to 2:00 .

Thus a standard flight we monopolized on average over five hours .

Our training is part of our daily activity . If we are programmed flight once a day on average , it is also certain that the experienced fighter pilots spend most of their time to train younger .

This is true on all combat aircraft and this is particularly true for the Rafale : This aircraft is a real leap forward in technology and new possibilities that are open to us , lead us to rethink and rewrite the front of our training programs and that our tactics. It is a volume close to 2000 pages very techniques that have already been rewritten and we strive to refine ever more efficiency .

While some may write the other , younger , use their time ' free ' to learn this material.

To talk about something lighter, I'd like to ask you what are your readings and what they bring you ?

I read to get me out of my environment specialist , disconnect my brain that I love this job and turn my attention fully to my family when I am resting .

I particularly liked " Zen and the Art of Archery " of Eugen Herrigel, " Night Flight " Antoine de Saint Exupery " Brave New World " Aldous Huxley " Fear and Trembling " Amelie Nothomb and " Samurai Saburo Sakai .

As any fighter pilot who respects himself , of course I devoured " Hunter brothers " Lissy and Mark " The Big Show " of Clostermann .


Finally, what does it feel to fly at 15,000 feet and Mach 1.6 ?

It is a moment of great calm and a rare experience .

At this altitude , it is not crowded and the air traffic controller did not need to multiply the radio messages to coordinate our flight with other aircraft in the vicinity : all our natural environment becomes quieter .

The less dense air does not allow the airplane to move with the same vivacity that low altitude while his movements are slower .

At this height , flying at Mach 1.60 is not seen really, but is measured with pleasure. For example, I had the opportunity to fly over the city of Dijon , six minutes after leaving the city center of Lyon ...

So while you move clearly faster , everything seems slow.

But what I like most at this altitude is that you can see by looking at the horizon 360 degrees it has a slightly rounded ... Then of course , I'd go even a little.



Captain Romain is the author of Rafale in Afghanistanwar diary describing his experience in combat against the Taliban .

http://www.surlering.com/article/article.php/article/capitaine-romain-pilote-de-rafale

Thanks for a very interesting article Vlad!

Say, have you ever seen a good comparison of the Rafale and the Eurofighter (in Russian or English)?

Thanks,

F.

Saint-Dizier, November 8, 2009. a first wave of 3 Rafale from the 1 / 7 "Provence" squadron is leaving Haute-Marne for much more desert horizons. Heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Al Dhafra air base, to an exercise that any fighter pilot in the world would not want to miss, the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course (ATLC), organized annually by the UAE.

In total, 6 Rafale of the 1/7, in 2 waves of 3 aircrafts, join the UAE base in autumn 2009. They are accompanied by 15 pilots, with different backgrounds and experiences. All have the opportunity to come and train on an extraordinary playground: 3 times larger than the Red Flag "range", the Air Warfare Centre (AWC) was established in 2000 for Gulf countries and their key allies such as the United States, Britain and France, as well as other nations invited each year. The UAE AWC also has the latest equipment in the field of debrief missions, allowing very precise debriefing at the end of each mission.

In 2009, the Rafale participate ATLC for the first time. But another special guest shares the bill : the US F-22A Raptor, the U.S. Air Force has dispatched 6 aircraft attached to the 27th Fighter Squadron, based in Langley AFB.

Designed in the early 90s, the American fighter is the most modern fighter in service today. It combines extraordinary aerodynamic performance with a very large stealth, but also a weapon system built around a powerful AESA radar and passive sensors whose operation is similar in principle to those of Spectra. Tailored for high-altitude interception and BVR Combat, the Raptor knows how to defend itself in dogfight: it has a thrust vector that guides the air flow of its two reactors in the vertical plan, with overflow maneuverability in all phases of flight. On paper, the F-22A Raptor and the Rafale have not much in common. While the U.S. aircraft (the most expensive fighter in the world) was designed as the ultimate fighter aircraft, the french jet is a versatile and "affordable" combat aircraft. Both are not even competing on the international market because Washington refuses to export the Raptor, which must remain the "secret US boot" during an aerial war of high intensity.
The 2009 ATLC release will be the pretext of the first confrontation between the two aircraft ...

One defeat for five draws.

The U.S. Air Force, however, put strict conditions surrounding the confrontation: the Raptor will not participate in any BVR exercise with foreign aircraft. The American pilots only accept to confront in dogfight, 1 vs 1, against crews that participate in the exercise. Pilots of the 1/7 take their chance ... and the results will be rather promising: on 6 engagements, only one has resulted, according to the French aviators, with a straightforward victory for the F-22A. [SIZE="3"]The other 5 have ended with a 'draw' [/SIZE],a situation of equality that can be obtained by various parameters: Dual protracted beyond a preset time,crossing of the floor set for the exercice ...

2 main parameters give the advantage to the Raptor in dogfight: the thrust vector and the enormous power conferred by its 2 reactors, which give each twice the thrust of the M88! Although it is much heavier than the Rafale, the F22A maintains a formidable manceuvrability that allows it to leave the most delicate BFM situations; even if it loses a lot of energy during maneuvers with the highest angle of attack, this energy can be quickly recovered by its engines.

But the french pilots are careful to qualify the Raptor as invulnerable: "Facing an F-22A, the Rafale can be put in firing position but it must do it very quickly, lest the roles reversed if the battle drags on" summarizes a French aviator.

The performance of Spectra amaze:

The airmen of the "Provence" leave Al Dhafra on Dec. 12, after accumulating 320 flying hours in 182 missions. A large number of complex engagements have once again to the demonstration of the versatility of the french fighter. An example: during a mission hombardement, the number 2 of a patrol of 4 Rafale dropped six AASM GPS guided on six different objectives, while firing 3 Mica on hostile tracks ... all in barely more than a minute. The debriefing will show that the 6 objectives, far from nearly 50 km, have been destroyed, while two enemy aircraft were shot down by French missiles.

As for Red Flag, the French also praised the performance of Spectra in the location of air defense threats: the Rafale deployed to ATLC would have been able to perfectly fulfill the mission of destroying enemy air defenses (SEAD) with the American F-16CJ, which is the main mission. A henceforth proven multirole ability that will allow the Rafale to finally make the difference with its competitors.

OSF track of F-22A



Enemy Brothers

Since birth, both were scheduled to compete. The wrestling (commercial) which has now engaged the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale on the international scene has its roots in the early 80s, while Europe is seriously considering a joint development of a new multinational European fighter aircraft. France, United Kingdom and Germany are the main actors in a drama that will last many years. These last two countries, which have already collaborated in the Panavia consortium for the development of the Tornado are looking to replace a portion of their tactical fleet. For its part, France is trying, too, to have a fighter that can replace almost all of its combat aircraft. But from the beginning, the situation appears complex, whereas the English call for an air superiority aircraft class 11-12 tonnes, Paris argues for a device of only 9 tons. Moreover, the problems of industrial shares weigh down the prospects of cooperation including France, whose aeronautical companies ardently defend their plans to support the maintenance of their skills. In 1985, France announced it will develop alone its future combat aircraft. For their part, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain will start the Eurofighter program. While France wants to start building a really multirole aircraft, the nations in the Eurofighter consortium finance the development of a superiority aircraft, designed for air to air combat. To date yet, the 'Typhoon has only very limited air-ground capabilities compared with the Rafale.

More thrust for the Typhoon

On paper, the Typhoon has some undeniable advantages: more powerful than M88, its two reactors give it a better weight/thrust than the Rafale. According to the Eurofighter pilots, this additional power would be particularly appreciable during simulated combat below 20,000 ft, where the density of air allows the engines to be fully expressed. In the battle beyond visual range (BVR), the Typhoon also has an greater "extension" than the Rafale. This is because of the the physical characteristics of the radar, which antenna "sees" futher than the RBE2-PESA, but also because of the dynamic performance of the American missile AIM-120 AMRAAM . Designed exclusively for medium-range interception, it certainly does not have the versatility of the Mica, but it is superior in terms of range. Facing a Rafale, these theoretical advantages, however, must be nuanced.

In BVR combat, although the lengthening of the radar and missiles of the Typhoon are superior, the french Rafale fighter's radar signature is, according to many pilots, much less important than the Eurofighter's one. It is therefore an asset. Even better: the sensors fusion which enjoys the Rafale is also a crucial advantage in BVR combat, because it offers the pilots a much better understanding of the tactical situation during combat, and this, 360 degrees around the aircraft.

Once the "merge" is reached (when BVR combat turns into short-range), the Rafale has still strong chances of victory against the Typhoon. In the opinion of French pilots who have confronted the European aircraft, it's above all the quality of the electric flight controls [FBW] of the French fighter who makes the difference. In dogfight, Rafale can quickly point its nose to the threat, while less degrading its energy than the Eurofighter does. And this partly because the maximum angle of attack of the Rafale is "clamped" around 300, which allows it to evolve in a controlled manner even at low speed.

This difference in terms of maneuverability is also illustrated by the position of the canard on the two planes: placed well in front of the fuselage on the Typhoon, they play the role of an additional control surface used to "steer" more quickly the nose of the plane to take the incidence.
Conversely, the Rafale ducks are located very near the delta wing and are used primarily to pick up the airflow to slow up the loss of lift on the wing, thus giving the pilot a full control of the aircraft at low speeds.

A first indisputable skirmish

The Armée de l' Air has been able to experience this superiority in dogfight in September 2009, during an exercise organized by the French and British headquarters, during a deployment on the Solenzara airbase in Corsica .

Few days , the EC-1/7 stands next with the Royal Air Force transformation squadron on typhoons. The English have thought of everything, and introduce to the French pilots the simulated engagement patterns they wish to practice facing the Rafale. The French pilots push back a smile: the conditions of the exercice are, on paper, custom-made for the Typhoons , they plan within visual range fights , 1 vs 1, under 20,000 ft and at 350 knots. Whatever. The 'Provence' squadron takes up the gauntlet ... The 2 planes take off, then meet up at 18 000 ft to start the exercise. The aircraft are flying on the same trajectory with about 2 km of lateral separation. "Turn Away" with this announcement, the pilots turn 45 ° outward, to move away from each other. A few seconds later, the "turn in" and the planes turn toward each other to meet face-to-face in the sky. Once both aircraft is within visual range , its the ultimate ad: "Fight's on!". The first skirmish is indisputable. It need less than 40 seconds and only 3 crossing for the Rafale pilot to have its gun in firing position. However, the pilots flying the two planes are far from beginners. While the English is considered a Typhoon specialist in air-to-air, the "Provence" pilot has also a solid experience in within visual range combat.

Nine wins, one defeat

This initial result is not a fluke: the two next passes end also to the advantage of the Rafale.[SIZE="3"] In total, 4 different engagements took place in Corsica, for a total of 9 wins against 1 defeat for the French fighter.[/SIZE] A nice demonstration of force that inspires the pilots the following moral: without mastery, power is nothing ... It is however an area where the Typhoon is victorious: the one of exports. While the Rafale is still looking for a first client, the Typhoon has already been sold to Saudi Arabia and Austria, and remains opposed to the Rafale in Switzerland and India.


A typhoon in trouble

Source: Air & Cosmos

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Thales To Deliver AESA Radars Soon
By PIERRE TRAN
Published: 6 Jul 2010 16:42


PARIS - Thales will begin deliveries in August of the first production batch of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for the fourth tranche of Rafale strike fighters, Pierre-Yves Chaltiel, head of electronic combat systems, said July 6.

A relative maturity in production of the AESA sensor allows Thales to launch the Searchmaster range of derivative products, which uses the active array technology. A compact version will be sold for UAVs and helicopters, and a larger model for medium-altitude, long-endurance drones, ground surveillance and maritime patrol aircraft, Chaltiel said.

The delivery of AESA production units marks the culmination of some 12 years' work and more than one billion euros ($1.3 billion) of government and industry investment, he told journalists ahead of the Farnborough airshow, which opens July 19.

It has taken "more than 10 years' effort to get to this stage," he said.

In the world market, only three industrial teams could claim this level of technological maturity, namely Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon, and Dassault Aviation and Thales, he said.

An AESA radar will significantly boost operational capabilities for the Rafale in terms of range, interception, tracking a multithreat environment and also improve countermeasures.

The technology will allow for the first time the same active array to be used for the radar and countermeasures.

"It will be the only European aircraft with this capability," he said.

The AESA radars will equip the fourth tranche of 60 Rafales ordered by the Direction Générale pour l'Armement (DGA) procurement office at the end of 2009. No financial details were available. A preproduction batch of three AESA radars have flown on the Falcon, Mirage 2000 and Rafale.

The tranche-four Rafales will operate at the F3 standard and the first AESA-equipped squadron is expected to be operational in 2012.

Some five or six countries have shown interest in the Searchmaster concept, which could be delivered in two years for the compact model and five years for the larger version.

The I-Master radar developed for the British Watchkeeper tactical UAV has drawn interest from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, Chaltiel said.

Chaltiel outlined the technology roadmap for developing the AESA radar, which uses a patented cloud technology receiver module system, intended to allow insertion of new technology over the next 20 years without requiring extensive recertification.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4697061&c=EUR&s=AIR

The French Fighter Jet That Nobody Wants
The Rafale has cost $53 billion and is the key to France's defense economy, but it's not selling abroad

By Carol Matlack
The Rafale fighter, made by France's Dassault Aviation, is loaded with high-tech avionics, radar, and targeting systems. Now all it needs are customers. France has been peddling the supersonic jet since 2000 and hasn't sold a single one. In the latest setback, Brazil said on Jan. 17 that it would reopen bidding for a fighter contract worth up to $7 billion—a deal France had thought it was close to sealing last year. Neither Dassault nor the French Defense Ministry would comment on Brazil's decision.

The Rafale's plight signals the end of an era for France. With their Mirage fighter program, developed in the 1950s, the French were able to bolster their national defense, promote new technologies, and provide well-paying jobs—while recouping much of the cost by exporting hundreds of jets worldwide. Hoping to duplicate that model, the French government has spent some $53 billion on the Rafale, more than the country's $40 billion annual defense budget. But deal after deal has fallen through, with prospective buyers South Korea, Singapore, and Morocco choosing Boeing's (BA) F-15 and Lockheed Martin's (LMT) F-16 over the Rafale.

Midsize suppliers such as France are being outgunned by bigger competitors. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, for example, is being developed by a U.S.-led consortium of nine countries that plan to buy more than 2,500 of the planes. That will ensure plenty of revenue from production and upgrades. Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain have similarly joined forces to produce the new Eurofighter jet. "Nationally driven, nationally financed and controlled production of the most advanced weapons systems is now the exclusive purview of the U.S. and Russia, and in the future, China as well," says Mark Bromley, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a Swedish think tank.

Changing global politics has worked against France, too. During the Cold War, France successfully marketed the Mirage as an alternative to U.S. and Soviet planes. Other customers, such as the United Arab Emirates, bought French planes after the U.S. balked at providing high-tech weaponry. Now, though, the U.S. is eagerly seeking sales in the Gulf states. Many foreign governments, in turn, see arms deals as a way to forge closer defense ties with the U.S., says Loïc Tribot La Spière, an analyst at the Center for Studies and Prospective Strategy, a Paris think tank. "The sentiment is, 'We buy American because it assures security,' " he says.

The 93 Rafales produced by Dassault so far have gone to the French armed forces. To sustain production, the government has agreed to spend $1.1 billion on more Rafales over three years, even as it tries to pare budget deficits.

Finding customers will only get harder. As the Joint Strike Fighter enters service, U.S. manufacturers are set to increase their share of the $16 billion-a-year fighter aircraft market over the next decade from nearly 58 percent to more than 67 percent, according to forecasts by the Virginia-based Teal Group aerospace consultancy. Eurofighter and Russian manufacturers will get most of the rest, Teal predicts.

The longer the Rafale order book stays empty, the harder it will be to sell the plane, Teal analyst Richard Aboulafia says. "Customers like to see a home government that is determined to keep spending on buying and upgrading the aircraft" with the latest technology. Instead, he says, the Rafale is on budgetary life support. "That's the last thing you want customers to see."

The bottom line: France's decision to go it alone on its fighter program has cost the country $53 billion, with no export sales to offset the price.

Matlack is a Paris correspondent for Bloomberg Businessweek.

Source:The French Fighter Jet That Nobody Wants - BusinessWeek

but it's still one of the best fighters ..

It is certainly a beautiful aircraft, but it came into existence because Europe seems to have different needs and wants so instead of one Eurofighter there are at least 3 (Gripen, Typhoon, Rafale) and soon to be F-35 as well.

GarryB wrote:It is certainly a beautiful aircraft, but it came into existence because Europe seems to have different needs and wants so instead of one Eurofighter there are at least 3 (Gripen, Typhoon, Rafale) and soon to be F-35 as well.

beautiful but killer





i think spectra with range 200 km is the strongest point in this aircraft..
with this range you can make astrong silent attack without using your radar

It would have been very successful if it had been an American aircraft, I think what has held it back from being an export success is politics and cost.

GarryB wrote:It would have been very successful if it had been an American aircraft, I think what has held it back from being an export success is politics and cost.

yeah
those french are difficult to deal with

Check flight testing Rafale

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/

I wish they did such report for Su-30MKI or Su-35 , its a good PR

Rafale Naval Rampup ( via Air International )

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France’s Hollande Confirms Sale of 24 Rafale Fighter Jets to Egypt

The French President Francois Hollande confirmed the conclusion of the first contract of sale of 24 Rafale fighter aircraft and a multi-mission frigate and associated equipment to Egypt.

PARIS (Sputnik) – The French President Francois Hollande confirmed the conclusion of the first contract of sale of 24 Rafale fighter aircraft to Egypt, which will be signed on February 16, the Elysee Palace said in a statement Thursday.

"The Egyptian authorities have let me know today of their intention to acquire 24 Rafale combat aircraft and a multi-mission frigate and associated equipment. This equipment will allow Egypt to increase its security and play a dull role in the service of regional stability," Hollande said.

France's Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will sign the deal on behalf of France on February 16 in Cairo, the statement said.

Earlier in the day, French media reported that Paris and Cairo had signed the deal of sale of 24 Rafale jets, worth 5 billion euros ($6 million). The talks regarding the purchase of the aircraft reportedly started last autumn.

Egypt has decided to boost its air forces with Rafale fighter jets amid the intense conflict raging across neighboring Libya.

Since the overthrow of long-standing leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, a number of militia groups have been involved in a power struggle in Libya. Two de-facto governments are currently operating in the country.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20150213/1018193878.html#ixzz3Rf3w0b4A

If these planes are 24 for 4-4.5 billion dollars then they wont likely buy a lot more than 24 in my opinion.

they will have to buy quite a few other aircraft to fill the gaps.

Of course they might be getting them for a lot less, but I doubt it.

France has balls but I rather doubt they would sell Rafales to Egypt for less than they are offering them to India... that would really take a big pair... and would almost certainly guarantee more Flankers for India...

Typhoons cost even more than Rafales and F-35 is more expensive still... unless they go ridiculously expensive (Rafale x 24) and ridiculously cheap (something Chinese)...

I would expect this is a political purchase and that the rest of the air fleet will be Russian or Chinese or both.

higurashihougi wrote:I though Egypt may buy some sort of Russian MiG-29 or 35 ? So they choose Rafale instead ?

Anyway what about Indian contracts ? It is said that India has recently threatened France about possible Su-30MKI contracts instead of Rafale.

Egypt already signed a contract to buy Mig-29M2 to replace it's Mig-21 aircrafts.

GarryB wrote:If these planes are 24 for 4-4.5 billion dollars then they wont likely buy a lot more than 24 in my opinion.

they will have to buy quite a few other aircraft to fill the gaps.

Of course they might be getting them for a lot less, but I doubt it.

France has balls but I rather doubt they would sell Rafales to Egypt for less than they are offering them to India... that would really take a big pair... and would almost certainly guarantee more Flankers for India...

Typhoons cost even more than Rafales and F-35 is more expensive still... unless they go ridiculously expensive (Rafale x 24) and ridiculously cheap (something Chinese)...

I would expect this is a political purchase and that the rest of the air fleet will be Russian or Chinese or both.

The Egyptian deal shows the total price per unit for the rafale, including its weapons, training, spare parts, etc.

India AFAIK wants to transfer the technology which would make the price up.

French President Inks Rafale Sale Deal During Qatar Visit

French President François Hollande signed with Qatari leaders a multi-billion-euro deal to sell Rafale fighter jets to the emirate shortly after he arrived in Doha at the start on Monday of a two-day tour of the Middle East.

The 6.3-billion-euro agreement includes an order for 24 jets manufactured by French defense group Dassault with an option on a further 12 planes, AFP reported from Doha.

Another contract will involve the training of 36 Qatari pilots and around one hundred mechanics.

Hollande met Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to discuss the crises rocking the region, including Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on anti-government rebels in Yemen.

From Doha he will be heading to Saudi Arabia to meet King Salman and attend a key Gulf Cooperation Council summit opening there on Tuesday.

After years of trying to sell its Rafale jets abroad, Dassault has recently clinched several lucrative contracts with Egypt and India.

France is about to ink another fighter jet deal soon as negotiations with the UAE appear to be headed in the "right direction", according Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Experts believe that aside from the Rafale jets' proven successes in combat zones like Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq, French policy in the Middle East has played a significant role in securing the sales, the AFP report said.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150504/1021691920.html#ixzz3ZBVzAtCO

F-18 isn´t same age? Rafale is not much younger

Well, thing is that original F18s are soon to be gone except those that were updated to SH standard, newly built Super Hornets will serve decade and a half more maybe and they will be all replaced by F35 variants, except i assume Growler which will continue to serve along F35 as its role is not mainly combat.

Rafale entered prototype phase when MiG29s were serving already for 5-6 years. It was finished basically in early 2000s, its worlds newest deck fighter excluding F35.

Militarov wrote:

F-18 isn´t same age? Rafale is not much younger

Well, thing is that original F18s are soon to be gone except those that were updated to SH standard, newly built Super Hornets will serve decade and a half more maybe and they will be all replaced by F35 variants, except i assume Growler which will continue to serve along F35 as its role is not mainly combat.

Rafale entered prototype phase when MiG29s were serving already for 5-6 years. It was finished basically in early 2000s, its worlds newest deck fighter excluding F35.

I meant airframes. Age same class for all.  BTW updated MiG 29k was in 2007 and surely will be soon again.

Original MiG-29k is dated 1988 and Rafale 1991 so it doesn´t make really newer machine? BTW when Grippen will have a deck version then it won´tmake him most modern of all deck aircrafts or am I wrong?

Yeah but many solutions on Rafale are light years ahead compared to MiG29, aeronautic technology made huge leap in 10 years that are splitting their original designs. MiG29K is still basically just old good MiG29 with certain improvements, Rafale is simply alot better aircraft there is no question about it, that is why i would like seeing for future carriers new platform, PAK-FA based or not doesnt rly matter.

What a load of crap.

Rafale is a vastly over priced piece of junk... for the retail price of one Rafale Russia could buy 5 or 6 MiG-35s and guess what... with thrust vectoring engines there is no way for the Rafale to beat the MiG in close combat and with a modern AESA radar and modern AAMs the MiG is at no disadvantage at BVR either.

The so called new aerodynamics of the Rafale offer zero advantage in real combat... the new stuff it carries around with it just make it unaffordable to most countries.

The so called superior design in terms of shape offer no real tangible advantage, while new engines and avionics means an older aircraft design can be every bit as capable as a newer model.