Details Of What The 16 Rafales Are Doing In Libya

[Firemaster]

Sixteen Rafales (8 Rafale C and B from the Air Force and 8 Rafale M from Navy) Rafale F3 (third version, fully polyvalent, which includes capability to carry Reco NG pod, nuclear missile ASMPA and Exocet antiship missile) have been engaged in operations in Libya. In their air-patrol version (CAP), they are equipped with 6 Mica air-to-air missiles (4 radar and 2 infrared) and 3 supersonic fuel tanks (1250 liters).

In their close air support (CAS) version, they are equipped with 4 AASM guided bombs, 4 Mica and 2 external fuel tanks (2000 liters). Most of Libyan targets have been destroyed by AASM bombs fired from Rafales in CAS version. First Rafales were illuminated by Libyan alert radars but Rafale’s Spectra protection modules made any Libyan AA attempt useless. Some of the Rafales are equipped with Reco NG targeting pod, which allow them to fly at high altitude and deliver ordonances in a safe position. In this configuration, they are also used to do reconnaissance and intelligence missions.

The pod has an Hama captor which can take images at high altitude and a IRLS infrared scanner suited for low altitude and high speed reco. This targeting pod was previously used by French Navy’s Rafales in Afghanistan.

Chindits: Details Of What The 16 Rafales Are Doing In Libya