In a parallel universe UAE, KSA, and Egypt could develop a joint Fifth generation fighter jet with help from a third country.
Remember we were talking about the pad as a possibility to launch the Al Tariq and possibly other EDGE munitions? While reading a lot of stuff about the comparisons between the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale, the great thing about the latter is its information processing and cockpit sensor fusion that we all know about and specifically the use of also a pad to run much of the aircraft's systems. Reminded me of our previous discussion and it's such an emblematic example of how far technology has come in the world of aviation, and this is not only relegated to military aircraft. You look at the Airbus A-380 for example, that entire behemoth is flown without the use of a single stick motion and almost 100% off a computer pad and auto pilot + switches! Really incredible.
Most Sophisticated Features Of The Rafale Fighter Jet, one of the best in the world
In addition, Até also explained that all sensors and systems integrated into the main screen distinguish the Rafale from other aircraft of the same generation.
The former Rafale pilot said, “Just using this center screen, you will be able to have a moving map, you will be able to see through 2D and 3D radar, You will be able to see DataLink transfer data from other aircraft links16, electronic countermeasures (ECM), and your electronic information.
Rafale F3R glass cockpit
You can have everything on one screen, so it’s very easy for the pilot to decide and get good situational awareness.” He believed that the Rafale plane was designed to provide convenience to pilots. The pilot can change screens, clear maps, and move everything around as he pleases.
The Rafale is outfitted with a SPECTRA system for electronic warfare and self-defense, which is used to safeguard the aircraft from airborne and ground threats and gather electronic intelligence.
For precise strikes and imagery intelligence (IMINT) missions, the Rafale employs Reco NG aerial reconnaissance (AEROS) and Damocles targeting pods, respectively.
Even so, the Rafale fighter jet engine is not the best in the world. Although the Rafale’s engine is great, Typhoon’s fighter jet engine is superior. What?
“The Rafale fighter is a very good aircraft and if you understand it perfectly and if you understand your opponent as well, You will know exactly how you want to fight the enemy and you will succeed.
So overall situational awareness is a major factor and that will offset the fact that the engine isn’t as powerful as the Typhoon.”
Quoting from dassault-aviation.com, with an empty weight of 10 tons, the Rafale is equipped with 14 hard points (13 in the Rafale M).
Five of them are capable of drop tanks and heavy weaponry. Meanwhile, the total external load capacity is over nine tons (20,000 lbs). Therefore, the Rafale can lift a payload equivalent to its own empty weight. Mid Air refueling missions can also be carried out in parts of the airspace beyond the reach of special and vulnerable tanker aircraft.
With its exceptional payload capability and state-of-the-art mission system, the Rafale can carry out air-to-ground attacks as well as air-to-air strikes and interception during the same sortie.
Hence the term "Omnirole" that was designated to the Rafale.
