DrSomnath999
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Sp's Aviation, August 2013:
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE PICS MATE
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE PICS MATE
RAFALE'S MINI ENCYLOPEDIA FOR IT'S FANBOYZ
- Thread starter DrSomnath999
- Start date
DrSomnath999
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Rafale and Chinese J10 at MAKS 2013
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE PICS MATE
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE PICS MATE
sardar1987
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Rafale and Chinese J10 at MAKS 2013
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE PICS MATE
And pls do comment on the speculation of j-10 radar!!
aesa or pesa or both false claims??
DrSomnath999
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Is India aiming to boost the Rafale’s firepower with Russian missiles?
If India and France are able to sign the final contract for the Rafale, then there is a possibility the French fighter-bomber will be armed with Russian claws.
According to Boris Obnosov, General Director of Russia’s Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation (TRV), if required the Moscow-based company is ready to adapt Russian missiles for the French aircraft. ‘‘These include long, medium and short-range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, guided aviation bombs and a large spectrum of submarine weapons. By their performance characteristics they are as good as if not better than best Western analogues,” he told the media at the MAKS air show in the Moscow Region.
During the bidding process for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), India had stipulated that the first 18 aircraft be delivered with a full complement of integrated weapons. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer, would, of course, want to equip the Rafale with French built missiles but there is another clause that requires the vendor to “integrate additional weapons of the Indian Air Force’s choice, as required”.
In fact, one of the reasons for the delay in the signing of the MMRCA contract could be the issue of third-party weaponry. “It seems likely the IAF and TRV are looking at future upgrades to the Rafale. But the matter could be one more complication that is preventing a conclusion of the Indian Rafale deal,” says Aviation News International.
Mating Russian weapons with French warplanes is not really rocket science any more. The Iraqi Air Force Mirage’s F1EQ fighters have carried theVympel Kh-29L air to surface missiles, which are designed to strike hardened ground and surface targets such as big railway and highway bridges, aircraft in reinforced concrete shelters and ships. The South African Air Force Mirage F1s carried the R-73E short range air-to-air missiles. This versatile missile has also been test fired from India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Fire power advantage
The ability to use Russian weapons would only help the Rafale in export competitions. In this backdrop, Obnosov pointed out that France is not averse to the idea of using Russian missiles if it helps them sew up the India deal. “They have some interest in the adjustment of our products to the French Rafale fighter,” he said.
However, Obnosov added: “This question cannot be resolved quickly as any other work (but) we are in the process of settling it.”
India will definitely be pushing for this tie-up as it has large stocks of Russian missiles. Also, other than the French MICA air-to-air missiles that came with the Mirage 2000, the IAF does not have any Rafale-compatible weapons.
The only barrier may be technical but Defence Industry Daily points out that it may not come cheap. “Unless the TRV/Dassault partnership develops a Universal Weapon Interface for TRV’s products, and probably modifies a number of the missiles themselves, that kind of integration and testing is time-consuming and expensive,” it says.
To be sure, the Rafale doesn’t do too badly with its own complement of weapons. DID says that a combination of French made infrared scan and track systems and MICA infra-red medium-range missiles allows the Rafale to supplement its radar-guided missiles with passively-targeted, no-warning attacks on enemy aircraft from beyond visual range (BVR). At present, this capability is only duplicated by Russian aircraft: Sukhoi’s Su-27/30 Flanker family, and advanced MiG-29s.
Missile dilemma
Air superiority being the raison d’etre of air forces, air-to-air missiles are a critical component of a fighter aircraft. Because the efficacy of BVR missiles – the primary battle axe of fighter pilots – is itself in doubt, the IAF needs to have the best available air-to-air missile.
Until the 1980s – before the Flanker arrived in the skies – the Russians were up against highly sophisticated aircraft such as the F-14, F-15 and F-16. To counter these aircraft, they developed a range of missiles designed to down the F-series fighters. It is the reason why even now Russian aircraft take to the air with a full complement of air-to-air missiles for a broad spectrum of missions. More than any other air force, the IAF has understood and adopted this strategy.
The French MICA simply doesn’t have the pedigree of the missiles from the Russian stables. So the questions before the IAF are: Will the insistence on having Russian missiles on the Rafale jack up the price? And what is the tradeoff in capability if India buys French missiles?
The deputy chief of air staff Air Marshal S. Sukumar said at a conference that the contract with Dassault Aviation will be finalised before the end of the government’s current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2014. The French were hoping to lock in the deal in 2013, but the mysterious death of chief Indian negotiator Arun Kumar Bal on October 2 slowed down the talks.
As with any Indian defence deal, it’s not over till it’s over.
Is India aiming to boost the Rafale?s firepower with Russian missiles? | Russia & India Report
If India and France are able to sign the final contract for the Rafale, then there is a possibility the French fighter-bomber will be armed with Russian claws.
According to Boris Obnosov, General Director of Russia’s Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation (TRV), if required the Moscow-based company is ready to adapt Russian missiles for the French aircraft. ‘‘These include long, medium and short-range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, guided aviation bombs and a large spectrum of submarine weapons. By their performance characteristics they are as good as if not better than best Western analogues,” he told the media at the MAKS air show in the Moscow Region.
During the bidding process for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), India had stipulated that the first 18 aircraft be delivered with a full complement of integrated weapons. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer, would, of course, want to equip the Rafale with French built missiles but there is another clause that requires the vendor to “integrate additional weapons of the Indian Air Force’s choice, as required”.
In fact, one of the reasons for the delay in the signing of the MMRCA contract could be the issue of third-party weaponry. “It seems likely the IAF and TRV are looking at future upgrades to the Rafale. But the matter could be one more complication that is preventing a conclusion of the Indian Rafale deal,” says Aviation News International.
Mating Russian weapons with French warplanes is not really rocket science any more. The Iraqi Air Force Mirage’s F1EQ fighters have carried theVympel Kh-29L air to surface missiles, which are designed to strike hardened ground and surface targets such as big railway and highway bridges, aircraft in reinforced concrete shelters and ships. The South African Air Force Mirage F1s carried the R-73E short range air-to-air missiles. This versatile missile has also been test fired from India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Fire power advantage
The ability to use Russian weapons would only help the Rafale in export competitions. In this backdrop, Obnosov pointed out that France is not averse to the idea of using Russian missiles if it helps them sew up the India deal. “They have some interest in the adjustment of our products to the French Rafale fighter,” he said.
However, Obnosov added: “This question cannot be resolved quickly as any other work (but) we are in the process of settling it.”
India will definitely be pushing for this tie-up as it has large stocks of Russian missiles. Also, other than the French MICA air-to-air missiles that came with the Mirage 2000, the IAF does not have any Rafale-compatible weapons.
The only barrier may be technical but Defence Industry Daily points out that it may not come cheap. “Unless the TRV/Dassault partnership develops a Universal Weapon Interface for TRV’s products, and probably modifies a number of the missiles themselves, that kind of integration and testing is time-consuming and expensive,” it says.
To be sure, the Rafale doesn’t do too badly with its own complement of weapons. DID says that a combination of French made infrared scan and track systems and MICA infra-red medium-range missiles allows the Rafale to supplement its radar-guided missiles with passively-targeted, no-warning attacks on enemy aircraft from beyond visual range (BVR). At present, this capability is only duplicated by Russian aircraft: Sukhoi’s Su-27/30 Flanker family, and advanced MiG-29s.
Missile dilemma
Air superiority being the raison d’etre of air forces, air-to-air missiles are a critical component of a fighter aircraft. Because the efficacy of BVR missiles – the primary battle axe of fighter pilots – is itself in doubt, the IAF needs to have the best available air-to-air missile.
Until the 1980s – before the Flanker arrived in the skies – the Russians were up against highly sophisticated aircraft such as the F-14, F-15 and F-16. To counter these aircraft, they developed a range of missiles designed to down the F-series fighters. It is the reason why even now Russian aircraft take to the air with a full complement of air-to-air missiles for a broad spectrum of missions. More than any other air force, the IAF has understood and adopted this strategy.
The French MICA simply doesn’t have the pedigree of the missiles from the Russian stables. So the questions before the IAF are: Will the insistence on having Russian missiles on the Rafale jack up the price? And what is the tradeoff in capability if India buys French missiles?
The deputy chief of air staff Air Marshal S. Sukumar said at a conference that the contract with Dassault Aviation will be finalised before the end of the government’s current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2014. The French were hoping to lock in the deal in 2013, but the mysterious death of chief Indian negotiator Arun Kumar Bal on October 2 slowed down the talks.
As with any Indian defence deal, it’s not over till it’s over.
Is India aiming to boost the Rafale?s firepower with Russian missiles? | Russia & India Report
DrSomnath999
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Swiss Battle Could Be Euro-Canard Turning Point
First it was Dassault with the Rafale and then it was Eurofighter with the Typhoon that competed for the favor of the UAE Air Force. In Oman, it was the Saab Gripen against the Typhoon. In Qatar, who knows? Around the world, Europe’s three rival fighters have been locked in virtual combat. For Europe this is not necessarily a good situation, but the result of Switzerland’s evaluation of the three–in which it first favored the Rafale and then selected Saab’s Gripen, could prove pivotal in other competitions.
“This is a very bad situation,” said the head of the European Defence Agency, who said that Europe simply cannot afford such wasteful competition. When choosing a new fighter, each nation has different priorities, criteria and methodology. In addition to technical evaluation, politics, technology transfer, industrial offsets and commission payments have all played a part in previous selections. So when Switzerland evaluated the three so-called “Euro-canards,” many observers awaited its choice with considerable anticipation. By reputation, the Swiss are thorough and methodical. Moreover, they are quite rich, and politically neutral.
Nevertheless, and perhaps inevitably, the Swiss choice of the Gripen as its New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) could not escape controversy. The government overruled the air force’s choice of the Rafale on cost grounds, it was alleged. The purchase was supposed to be off-the-shelf, but the Gripen-E is a new development, some argued. A significant minority of Swiss citizens were entirely opposed to the NFA buy–and their voices may yet be heard if a national referendum is called on the decision.
The NFA evaluation started badly when Boeing decided not to bid, because (it said) the Super Hornet far exceeded the requirement. “It spelled Gripen, so we withdrew,” a Boeing official told AIN. The competition was characterized by many as a replacement for the air force’s 54 remaining Northrop F-5E/Fs. They now operated alongside 33 Boeing F-18C/D Hornets acquired in the mid-to-late 1990s. Both types were dedicated to the air superiority role.
As Col. Fabio Antognini, project manager, explained in a presentation to the Fighter Conference organized by Defence IQ in London last year, the air force also wanted the NFA in order to reintroduce the air-to-ground and reconnaissance roles that had been lost with the retirement of the Mirage IIIRS in 2003. Despite its neutrality, the Swiss saw a future need to contribute to combined operations abroad with these additional capabilities. Besides, the NFA would supplement the F-18C/Ds whenever the requirement for increased protection of Swiss airspace arose. This would involve patrols that were constantly airborne. Therefore, between 30 and 50 NFAs would be required.
Three Contenders Evaluated
In the second half of 2008, the Swiss air force conducted in-country flight evaluations of the three remaining contenders–the Eurofighter, Gripen and Rafale – from Emmen airbase. In some 10 sorties each, Swiss pilots (including Antognini) and ground-based specialists evaluated them in five roles: air policing; defensive counter-air; offensive counter-air; strike; and reconnaissance. Each contender was also allowed one flight to demonstrate additional capabilities that were not in the Swiss requirement.
Following this fly-off, the contenders were invited to submit details of improvements that they were scheduled to make to their aircraft by the projected delivery date to Switzerland of 2015. Between March and August 2009, the air force evaluation team visited Dassault, Eurofighter and Saab to witness flight and simulator demonstrations.
The result was two confidential flight test reports that were approved for distribution in November 2009. They were subsequently leaked to the Swiss media, providing outsiders with a fascinating insight into the respective flying performance of the three contenders, as seen by the Swiss air force. The Rafale was the clear winner of the fly-off in each of the five roles. Moreover, the French jet retained its winning position in the Swiss evaluation of how the three contenders would be improved by 2015 (see table 1).
“The strong points of the Rafale were the quality of its sensors, such as the PESA (passive electronically scanned array) radar; the frontal optronics; and the EW (electronic warfare) suite, Spectra,” the report on the 2008 fly-off noted. “The good data fusion of all its sensors allowed to provide the pilot a very good situational awareness,” it continued. “The weak point of the Rafale was the lack of a helmet-mounted sight system,” the evaluators remarked.
The report praised the aerodynamic performance of the Eurofighter, notably its ability to supercruise at Mach 1.4. But the sensor data fusion and the EW suite were “weak points,” while range and systems reliability were noted to be “limiting factors.” Moreover, the report said, “the capabilities of the Eurofighter to fulfill recce and strike missions were rated as unsatisfactory.”
The report acknowledged that because of the Gripen’s design–it is the smallest of the contenders and the only one powered by a single engine–its “endurance, aircraft performances and aircraft weapon load were among the main limiting factors.” The evaluators said there was no sensor data fusion between the radar and EW suite, although the latter “was among the strong points of the Gripen.”
Only the Rafale met the minimum expected capabilities (MEC) in all five roles. The Eurofighter failed to make the grade in the strike and reconnaissance categories. The Gripen failed to achieve the MEC in all five roles.
That verdict did not change, even when the improvements to be expected by 2015 were factored in. The development of the Eurofighter’s air-ground capability has lagged significantly behind that of the Rafale. Even so, the proposed Tranche 3 P1E enhancements to the four-nation jet, that were evaluated by the Swiss team, failed to match the F3+ standard improvements to the Rafale numbering 18, and already contracted by the French air force. They included AESA radar and other sensor improvements. Moreover, the Swiss noted, “If the Rafale is sold to the UAE, 11 new upgrade items not taken in the evaluation will be part of the delivered configuration.”
As for the Gripen, Saab told the Swiss that it had scheduled 98 upgrade items for the MS21 version of 2015, including AESA radar and infrared search and track. But these were not enough to push the Swedish jet above the MEC level in any of the five roles. The November 2009 report therefore recommended the Rafale as the New Fighter Aircraft.
Leaked Test Reports
Antognini declined to comment on the leaked flight test reports. “All three candidates passed the evaluation…They met our requirements,” he told the Fighter Conference. He told AIN that it is important to note that those two reports were not the whole story. There were eight others produced, covering maintenance, noise, growth potential and other criteria. These were all weighted according to a pre-determined scale of Swiss priorities. This scale was also leaked to the media (see table 2) but the other reports stayed confidential.
Then the cost was factored into the evaluation, said Antognini, before one final main report was sent to the Federal Council–the Swiss government’s seven-member decision-making authority. The acquisition cost of the Gripen would clearly be lower than its two larger competitors. The smaller jet would also score better on adaptability to Swiss airfields and life-cycle costs.
The first thing that the Federal Council did was–nothing! The crisis in financial markets gave even the Swiss pause for thought. The Federal Council wanted to trim the nation’s defense budget. Given the bids submitted by Dassault, Eurofighter and Saab, the NFA budget of some CHF 5 billion ($5.5 billion) did not seem affordable, despite all three contenders offering to offset 100 percent of the cost by placing contracts with Swiss industry–and especially since the Euro currency was depreciating all the time against the ever-stronger Swiss franc.
Over the next year, however, the Swiss Parliament voted extra funds for defense, and told the Federal Council to conclude its NFA evaluation. The three manufacturers sharpened their pencils, while evidently reducing the number of aircraft on offer.
Of most significance, Saab defined proposed upgrades to the Gripen in much greater detail, flew the NG demonstrator with a new F414 engine and AESA radar, and suggested that the Swedish government would soon place an order.
The Choice Revealed
On Nov. 30, 2011, the Federal Council announced its choice. The Gripen was the lowest cost option, but it met the requirements, and was the most adaptable choice, the Council said. Ruag Aerospace and up to 200 other Swiss companies stood to gain much from codevelopment of the Gripen-NG (subsequently redesignated Gripen E). Meanwhile, Sweden’s status as a neutral country, like Switzerland, had been a consideration.
Defense minister Ueli Maurer told journalists that the acquisition cost was CHF3.1 billion ($3.4 billion) for a 22-aircraft package including training, support and spares. Swiss media previously reported that the Rafale bid was about CHF3.5 billion, with the Eurofighter costing CHF4 billion, although the proposed number of aircraft was never made clear. Commenting on the decision, Dassault insisted that the Rafale could have met the Swiss requirement “with a smaller number of aircraft an equivalent or lower cost.”
Reviewing the decision a few months ago, former Swiss Air Force commander Gen. Max Gygax admitted that, in the end, the choice was a political one. “The Gripen is multi-role, and life-cycle costs are very important,” he told journalists at the Paris Air Show in June. “The Gripen-E is a big step forward from the current C/D version,” he noted. But even the latter’s performance in the 2008 fly-off was much closer to that of the Eurofighter and Rafale than the Swiss evaluation team had anticipated, he told AIN.
As the clear winner of the flight evaluation, the Rafale won the battle, but lost the war in Switzerland.The Eurofighter did not emerge with much credit. Gygax told AIN that he did not expect the four-nation jet to score worse than the Rafale in air-to-air roles. Moreover, he added, the unpublished reports on maintenance and training did not rate the Eurofighter any better than the Rafale. “The spares are possibly cheaper because of the large number of aircraft, but it’s a very manpower-intensive aircraft,” he said.
Swiss Battle Could Be Euro-Canard Turning Point | Aviation International News
Rafale Solo Display by Anthony Pecchi:
CHEERS
First it was Dassault with the Rafale and then it was Eurofighter with the Typhoon that competed for the favor of the UAE Air Force. In Oman, it was the Saab Gripen against the Typhoon. In Qatar, who knows? Around the world, Europe’s three rival fighters have been locked in virtual combat. For Europe this is not necessarily a good situation, but the result of Switzerland’s evaluation of the three–in which it first favored the Rafale and then selected Saab’s Gripen, could prove pivotal in other competitions.
“This is a very bad situation,” said the head of the European Defence Agency, who said that Europe simply cannot afford such wasteful competition. When choosing a new fighter, each nation has different priorities, criteria and methodology. In addition to technical evaluation, politics, technology transfer, industrial offsets and commission payments have all played a part in previous selections. So when Switzerland evaluated the three so-called “Euro-canards,” many observers awaited its choice with considerable anticipation. By reputation, the Swiss are thorough and methodical. Moreover, they are quite rich, and politically neutral.
Nevertheless, and perhaps inevitably, the Swiss choice of the Gripen as its New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) could not escape controversy. The government overruled the air force’s choice of the Rafale on cost grounds, it was alleged. The purchase was supposed to be off-the-shelf, but the Gripen-E is a new development, some argued. A significant minority of Swiss citizens were entirely opposed to the NFA buy–and their voices may yet be heard if a national referendum is called on the decision.
The NFA evaluation started badly when Boeing decided not to bid, because (it said) the Super Hornet far exceeded the requirement. “It spelled Gripen, so we withdrew,” a Boeing official told AIN. The competition was characterized by many as a replacement for the air force’s 54 remaining Northrop F-5E/Fs. They now operated alongside 33 Boeing F-18C/D Hornets acquired in the mid-to-late 1990s. Both types were dedicated to the air superiority role.
As Col. Fabio Antognini, project manager, explained in a presentation to the Fighter Conference organized by Defence IQ in London last year, the air force also wanted the NFA in order to reintroduce the air-to-ground and reconnaissance roles that had been lost with the retirement of the Mirage IIIRS in 2003. Despite its neutrality, the Swiss saw a future need to contribute to combined operations abroad with these additional capabilities. Besides, the NFA would supplement the F-18C/Ds whenever the requirement for increased protection of Swiss airspace arose. This would involve patrols that were constantly airborne. Therefore, between 30 and 50 NFAs would be required.
Three Contenders Evaluated
In the second half of 2008, the Swiss air force conducted in-country flight evaluations of the three remaining contenders–the Eurofighter, Gripen and Rafale – from Emmen airbase. In some 10 sorties each, Swiss pilots (including Antognini) and ground-based specialists evaluated them in five roles: air policing; defensive counter-air; offensive counter-air; strike; and reconnaissance. Each contender was also allowed one flight to demonstrate additional capabilities that were not in the Swiss requirement.
Following this fly-off, the contenders were invited to submit details of improvements that they were scheduled to make to their aircraft by the projected delivery date to Switzerland of 2015. Between March and August 2009, the air force evaluation team visited Dassault, Eurofighter and Saab to witness flight and simulator demonstrations.
The result was two confidential flight test reports that were approved for distribution in November 2009. They were subsequently leaked to the Swiss media, providing outsiders with a fascinating insight into the respective flying performance of the three contenders, as seen by the Swiss air force. The Rafale was the clear winner of the fly-off in each of the five roles. Moreover, the French jet retained its winning position in the Swiss evaluation of how the three contenders would be improved by 2015 (see table 1).
“The strong points of the Rafale were the quality of its sensors, such as the PESA (passive electronically scanned array) radar; the frontal optronics; and the EW (electronic warfare) suite, Spectra,” the report on the 2008 fly-off noted. “The good data fusion of all its sensors allowed to provide the pilot a very good situational awareness,” it continued. “The weak point of the Rafale was the lack of a helmet-mounted sight system,” the evaluators remarked.
The report praised the aerodynamic performance of the Eurofighter, notably its ability to supercruise at Mach 1.4. But the sensor data fusion and the EW suite were “weak points,” while range and systems reliability were noted to be “limiting factors.” Moreover, the report said, “the capabilities of the Eurofighter to fulfill recce and strike missions were rated as unsatisfactory.”
The report acknowledged that because of the Gripen’s design–it is the smallest of the contenders and the only one powered by a single engine–its “endurance, aircraft performances and aircraft weapon load were among the main limiting factors.” The evaluators said there was no sensor data fusion between the radar and EW suite, although the latter “was among the strong points of the Gripen.”
Only the Rafale met the minimum expected capabilities (MEC) in all five roles. The Eurofighter failed to make the grade in the strike and reconnaissance categories. The Gripen failed to achieve the MEC in all five roles.
That verdict did not change, even when the improvements to be expected by 2015 were factored in. The development of the Eurofighter’s air-ground capability has lagged significantly behind that of the Rafale. Even so, the proposed Tranche 3 P1E enhancements to the four-nation jet, that were evaluated by the Swiss team, failed to match the F3+ standard improvements to the Rafale numbering 18, and already contracted by the French air force. They included AESA radar and other sensor improvements. Moreover, the Swiss noted, “If the Rafale is sold to the UAE, 11 new upgrade items not taken in the evaluation will be part of the delivered configuration.”
As for the Gripen, Saab told the Swiss that it had scheduled 98 upgrade items for the MS21 version of 2015, including AESA radar and infrared search and track. But these were not enough to push the Swedish jet above the MEC level in any of the five roles. The November 2009 report therefore recommended the Rafale as the New Fighter Aircraft.
Leaked Test Reports
Antognini declined to comment on the leaked flight test reports. “All three candidates passed the evaluation…They met our requirements,” he told the Fighter Conference. He told AIN that it is important to note that those two reports were not the whole story. There were eight others produced, covering maintenance, noise, growth potential and other criteria. These were all weighted according to a pre-determined scale of Swiss priorities. This scale was also leaked to the media (see table 2) but the other reports stayed confidential.
Then the cost was factored into the evaluation, said Antognini, before one final main report was sent to the Federal Council–the Swiss government’s seven-member decision-making authority. The acquisition cost of the Gripen would clearly be lower than its two larger competitors. The smaller jet would also score better on adaptability to Swiss airfields and life-cycle costs.
The first thing that the Federal Council did was–nothing! The crisis in financial markets gave even the Swiss pause for thought. The Federal Council wanted to trim the nation’s defense budget. Given the bids submitted by Dassault, Eurofighter and Saab, the NFA budget of some CHF 5 billion ($5.5 billion) did not seem affordable, despite all three contenders offering to offset 100 percent of the cost by placing contracts with Swiss industry–and especially since the Euro currency was depreciating all the time against the ever-stronger Swiss franc.
Over the next year, however, the Swiss Parliament voted extra funds for defense, and told the Federal Council to conclude its NFA evaluation. The three manufacturers sharpened their pencils, while evidently reducing the number of aircraft on offer.
Of most significance, Saab defined proposed upgrades to the Gripen in much greater detail, flew the NG demonstrator with a new F414 engine and AESA radar, and suggested that the Swedish government would soon place an order.
The Choice Revealed
On Nov. 30, 2011, the Federal Council announced its choice. The Gripen was the lowest cost option, but it met the requirements, and was the most adaptable choice, the Council said. Ruag Aerospace and up to 200 other Swiss companies stood to gain much from codevelopment of the Gripen-NG (subsequently redesignated Gripen E). Meanwhile, Sweden’s status as a neutral country, like Switzerland, had been a consideration.
Defense minister Ueli Maurer told journalists that the acquisition cost was CHF3.1 billion ($3.4 billion) for a 22-aircraft package including training, support and spares. Swiss media previously reported that the Rafale bid was about CHF3.5 billion, with the Eurofighter costing CHF4 billion, although the proposed number of aircraft was never made clear. Commenting on the decision, Dassault insisted that the Rafale could have met the Swiss requirement “with a smaller number of aircraft an equivalent or lower cost.”
Reviewing the decision a few months ago, former Swiss Air Force commander Gen. Max Gygax admitted that, in the end, the choice was a political one. “The Gripen is multi-role, and life-cycle costs are very important,” he told journalists at the Paris Air Show in June. “The Gripen-E is a big step forward from the current C/D version,” he noted. But even the latter’s performance in the 2008 fly-off was much closer to that of the Eurofighter and Rafale than the Swiss evaluation team had anticipated, he told AIN.
As the clear winner of the flight evaluation, the Rafale won the battle, but lost the war in Switzerland.The Eurofighter did not emerge with much credit. Gygax told AIN that he did not expect the four-nation jet to score worse than the Rafale in air-to-air roles. Moreover, he added, the unpublished reports on maintenance and training did not rate the Eurofighter any better than the Rafale. “The spares are possibly cheaper because of the large number of aircraft, but it’s a very manpower-intensive aircraft,” he said.
Swiss Battle Could Be Euro-Canard Turning Point | Aviation International News
Rafale Solo Display by Anthony Pecchi:
CHEERS
Last edited:
Abingdonboy
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So with the IAF getting HMDS on their Rafales, the bird is the complete package?
DrSomnath999
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Colombia looks to procure new fighter type
The Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana - FAC) is looking to procure a new fighter aircraft type "over the next three to four years" to enhance its top-end air combat capabilities, a senior service official said on 14 November.
Speaking at the IQPC International Fighter Conference in London, Brigadier General Carlos Bueno, Air Operations Commander, FAC, said that the air force is considering a number of modern fighter types, such as the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, Sukhoi Su-30 'Flanker', Dassault Rafale, Dassault Mirage 2000, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, "and some more".
The FAC's frontline fighter fleet is currently composed of 19 single-seat Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir C.10/12s (plus three twin-seat variants for conversion training). It is understood that the new fighter will augment the FAC's newly upgraded Kfirs to boost the air force's air-to-air capabilities.
Given the potential candidates named by the general, it looks likely that the FAC will be looking to procure surplus aircraft rather than new-build. With the exception of the Rafale and Gripen, there are numerous used examples of the other types that might suit Colombia's needs.
Colombia has already embarked on an effort to replace its aging Cessna A-37 Dragonfly and Rockwell OV-10 Bronco ground attack platforms. Initial candidates include the Alenia/Embraer AMX, Aero Vodochody L159 ALCA, and BAE Systems Hawk.
Separately, Gen Bueno said that the FAC is looking to acquire an airborne early warning (AEW) capability. While he did not name potential aircraft types, his briefing slide showed the IAI G550 Conformal AEW (CAEW) platform.
Colombia looks to procure new fighter type - IHS Jane's 360
The Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana - FAC) is looking to procure a new fighter aircraft type "over the next three to four years" to enhance its top-end air combat capabilities, a senior service official said on 14 November.
Speaking at the IQPC International Fighter Conference in London, Brigadier General Carlos Bueno, Air Operations Commander, FAC, said that the air force is considering a number of modern fighter types, such as the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, Sukhoi Su-30 'Flanker', Dassault Rafale, Dassault Mirage 2000, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, "and some more".
The FAC's frontline fighter fleet is currently composed of 19 single-seat Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir C.10/12s (plus three twin-seat variants for conversion training). It is understood that the new fighter will augment the FAC's newly upgraded Kfirs to boost the air force's air-to-air capabilities.
Given the potential candidates named by the general, it looks likely that the FAC will be looking to procure surplus aircraft rather than new-build. With the exception of the Rafale and Gripen, there are numerous used examples of the other types that might suit Colombia's needs.
Colombia has already embarked on an effort to replace its aging Cessna A-37 Dragonfly and Rockwell OV-10 Bronco ground attack platforms. Initial candidates include the Alenia/Embraer AMX, Aero Vodochody L159 ALCA, and BAE Systems Hawk.
Separately, Gen Bueno said that the FAC is looking to acquire an airborne early warning (AEW) capability. While he did not name potential aircraft types, his briefing slide showed the IAI G550 Conformal AEW (CAEW) platform.
Colombia looks to procure new fighter type - IHS Jane's 360
DrSomnath999
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Air&Cosmos 2382:
For the pic... No new infos in the article:
- Qatar wants 36 aircraft, the Rafale obtained good results during the assessment in hot weather.
- Discussions are still ongoing in the UAE. (they want a Rafale-9 with more jamming capabilities and a supercharged radar)
- In Kuwait, the SuperHornet would be now the favorite.
Apart from that, for Mali, there are still 6 Rafale operating from N'Djamena and 3 Mirage 2000D in Bamako.
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE INFO MATE
For the pic... No new infos in the article:
- Qatar wants 36 aircraft, the Rafale obtained good results during the assessment in hot weather.
- Discussions are still ongoing in the UAE. (they want a Rafale-9 with more jamming capabilities and a supercharged radar)
- In Kuwait, the SuperHornet would be now the favorite.
Apart from that, for Mali, there are still 6 Rafale operating from N'Djamena and 3 Mirage 2000D in Bamako.
COURTESY-OLYBRIUS
THANK U FOR THE INFO MATE
DrSomnath999
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French To Boost R&D Across Multiple Programs
PARIS — A research and development deal is due soon as part of an announced upgrade of the Rafale fighter, including a new-generation laser targeting pod, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Nov. 21.
“Development of the new F3-R standard for the Rafale, which will notably carry a new-generation laser targeting pod — that will be decided in the next few days,” Le Drian said.
Le Drian was speaking at the Innovation Forum, a technology showcase held by the procurement arm Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) at the elite École Polytechnique.
The DGA signed with Thales at the end of December a €55 million (US $74 million) contract for derisking work on a new-generation laser targeting pod. The electronics company supplies the Damocles infrared pod that fits on the Rafale and Mirage 2000D.
A laser pod, due to be shipped in five years, would boost French attractiveness in military markets, the DGA said in a January statement on the derisking contract.
The current infrared-based pod is seen as lacking competitiveness with US company Lockheed Martin’s Sniper and Israeli Rafael’s Litening targeting kit.
The government plans a major R&D effort for programs set out in the 2014-19 multiyear budget law, Le Drian said.
Those other programs include the Scorpion project for modernizing Army kit, an underwater drone to replace the Navy’s minehunter ships, Musis spy satellite to replace the Helios 2 system, and cooperation on the Italian Cosmo-Skymed and German SAR Lupe satellite programs.
The total budget for research and technology (R&T) and R&D for 2014 is €3.6 billion, Le Drian said.
“Innovation in defense is more than ever a determining factor for our place on the world scene,” he said. “We have drawn all the financial conclusions.”
Laurent Collet-Billon, head of the DGA, described as “our war horse,” is working to speed up the process from idea to producer, to deliver an operational gain for the armed forces and economic plus for industry, Le Drian said.
Collet-Billon said speeding the innovation process in industry would create value and jobs, contribute to national wealth and raise morale, which is badly needed.
Efforts must be doubled at the national level to promote exports and technology transfer, he said.
The budget for the DGA’s rapid program for funding R&T projects by small and medium-sized companies was €40 million this year, rising to €45 million in 2014 and €50 million in 2015, Le Drian told journalists. That compares with €10 million in 2009, a DGA spokesman said.
The Innovation Forum is a showcase for small and medium-sized companies funded directly or indirectly by the DGA and working on high-technology projects open for use in military and civilian sectors.
The Polytechnique is in an area intended as a cluster of high-tech businesses and university labs.
With the defense budget under severe pressure, equipment programs have been delayed but funding for technology research is seen as needed to preserve future capability. ■
French To Boost R&D Across Multiple Programs | Defense News | defensenews.com
PARIS — A research and development deal is due soon as part of an announced upgrade of the Rafale fighter, including a new-generation laser targeting pod, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Nov. 21.
“Development of the new F3-R standard for the Rafale, which will notably carry a new-generation laser targeting pod — that will be decided in the next few days,” Le Drian said.
Le Drian was speaking at the Innovation Forum, a technology showcase held by the procurement arm Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) at the elite École Polytechnique.
The DGA signed with Thales at the end of December a €55 million (US $74 million) contract for derisking work on a new-generation laser targeting pod. The electronics company supplies the Damocles infrared pod that fits on the Rafale and Mirage 2000D.
A laser pod, due to be shipped in five years, would boost French attractiveness in military markets, the DGA said in a January statement on the derisking contract.
The current infrared-based pod is seen as lacking competitiveness with US company Lockheed Martin’s Sniper and Israeli Rafael’s Litening targeting kit.
The government plans a major R&D effort for programs set out in the 2014-19 multiyear budget law, Le Drian said.
Those other programs include the Scorpion project for modernizing Army kit, an underwater drone to replace the Navy’s minehunter ships, Musis spy satellite to replace the Helios 2 system, and cooperation on the Italian Cosmo-Skymed and German SAR Lupe satellite programs.
The total budget for research and technology (R&T) and R&D for 2014 is €3.6 billion, Le Drian said.
“Innovation in defense is more than ever a determining factor for our place on the world scene,” he said. “We have drawn all the financial conclusions.”
Laurent Collet-Billon, head of the DGA, described as “our war horse,” is working to speed up the process from idea to producer, to deliver an operational gain for the armed forces and economic plus for industry, Le Drian said.
Collet-Billon said speeding the innovation process in industry would create value and jobs, contribute to national wealth and raise morale, which is badly needed.
Efforts must be doubled at the national level to promote exports and technology transfer, he said.
The budget for the DGA’s rapid program for funding R&T projects by small and medium-sized companies was €40 million this year, rising to €45 million in 2014 and €50 million in 2015, Le Drian told journalists. That compares with €10 million in 2009, a DGA spokesman said.
The Innovation Forum is a showcase for small and medium-sized companies funded directly or indirectly by the DGA and working on high-technology projects open for use in military and civilian sectors.
The Polytechnique is in an area intended as a cluster of high-tech businesses and university labs.
With the defense budget under severe pressure, equipment programs have been delayed but funding for technology research is seen as needed to preserve future capability. ■
French To Boost R&D Across Multiple Programs | Defense News | defensenews.com
he-man
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i think its irrelevant to india as we will get f3+ standard and not f3r
i may be wrong though
DrSomnath999
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Joint exercise between Rafale M and F-16 Greek
Last December 4, an exercise took place between devices of the Greek Air Force and Rafale M, on board the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle for the operation "Belleau Wood" .
The training also provided an air outlet on December 3, but due to bad weather, it was partially canceled. The flights took place only in the morning of the second day.
Eight F-16 and Mirage 2000 four rubbed Rafale and Super Etendard Modernized the Navy.
This exercise, which took place off the coast of Crete, was proposed by the Navy and the Air Force Greek has immediately accepted the proposal.
Google Translate
F-22, T-50, J-20 and Rafale ... "efficiency" rhymes with "stealth"? -
It would be the biggest race of recent years: the sacrosanct stealth!
Americans, Russians and Chinese design their military aircraft to reduce or almost clear, their radar cross section (RCS). This is the basis of the architecture of the latest generation of aircraft. Their general forms are designed to reflect the least possible radar waves, and (in contact with the external air flow) "wet surfaces" are made of absorbent materials and coatings.
Examples of SER on American stealth aircraft:
- The RCS of a F-117 "Nighthawk" equals 0.0030 m2,
- The RCS of a B-2 "Spirit" is equivalent to 0.0015 m2.
- The RCS of an F-22 "Raptor" is equivalent to 0.0010 m2,
American side, then, the F-22 "Raptor" is the backbone of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). This device, which has seen many twists and youth problems, seem slowly mature. The United States the show as THE most powerful fighter in the world in his chosen field: air superiority. The USAF and the manufacturer Lockheed Martin boast to have created an unbeatable unit dogfight (dogfight between two hunters). We will see later that this bet has already been lost ...
Russian side, the latest manufacturer Sukhoi, T-50, is, according to Putin, "well above the F-22, plus maneuvering and 2-3 times cheaper" ... The T-50 combines the capabilities plane striking and classic hunter. The figures SER this aircraft is not disclosed, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of stealth. However, observing the forms of T-50, we guess its radar signature is relatively low. About its capacity dogfight, since the reputation of Russian aircraft maneuverability is second to none, and with hints of the statements of the first Cold War Russian minister, suggesting that the device would indeed formidable.
Chinese side, the Chengdu J-20 is a device size, very agile very wide radius of action, and which has in its hold, a very large payload of weapons. We do not know the exact purpose of the J-20, but because of its size and if it is given all the credit wishes be granted the manufacturer about the maneuverability of the aircraft, a vocation fighter-bomber sound like a no-brainer.
SER level, including its angular nose (largely inspired by the American F-22), everything seems to indicate that the neophyte airplane is indeed stealthy. This is unfortunately not the case and the J-20 is more cobbled scarecrow figure than anything else: just ducks flying plans ensure good visibility to radar. Moreover, when looking at a full color representation, derived from simulations based on an algorithm of optical physics simulation, performed at several levels of frequencies, one can see that the failure of the work of the stealth aircraft Chengdu. Simply put, this kind of representation polychrome, more colors are warmer, the radar signature is strong ... And for the J-20, "it is very hot!"
F-22, T-50, J-20 ... In 2013, which should be stealthy at all costs? Our Rafale would therefore completely obsolete? Of course not.
Not be stealth does not mean being less effective for all that.
If, at the outset, Dassault has not developed a stealth aircraft in the strict sense of the term, for an obvious reason: the 80s, when the first were plotted curves Rafale, were not the era of stealth.
And yet, from the drawing board, Dassault has undertaken to reduce the radar signature of the aircraft. Indeed, if the plans ducks and carrying weapons under the wings are a major handicap to the quality, the use of composite materials has helped to reduce the RCS of Rafale. Since the compressor blades are an important source of radar reflectivity, air intakes were placed so as to render impossible any direct views of the engines. The apparatus also uses materials that absorb radar waves: for example, the glass is coated with a thin gold layer, almost invisible to the naked eye. More recently, the Snecma company that designs and manufactures engine Rafale, has announced that "taken steps to reduce the infrared signature of the engines," without revealing details. Secret defense forces!
In sum, there is much to qualify Rafale semi-stealth aircraft ...
The other major advantage of Rafale, compared to the three other stealth aircraft mentioned above, is its multi-role appearance: air superiority, tactical bombing, strategic bombing, close air support, anti-ship attack, nuclear strike ... Rafale can do anything! It was, from the start of the program, the purpose of Dassault. The plane comes in two main versions: Air and Marine, declined themselves into several sub-versions dedicated.
On the other hand, the F-22 Raptor, the self-proclaimed kings of air superiority, have experienced crushing defeats in dogfights against the Rafale during exercise TRTA in 2009. This event is a real taboo in the USAF, and a real pride for the French pilot and Dassault ...
Moreover, during "Operation Odyssey Dawn" - American contribution to the military intervention of 2011, Libya - USAF has failed to commit its F-22, as she wished. Indeed, the Raptor, pride of the USA, revealed his inability to communicate with the NATO aircraft, due to lack of network connection "connection 16" (standard tactical data link NATO) realize ... that to perfection, the unit of Dassault.
Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, unlike all these "jewels stealth" Rafale has proven itself in combat and that, it has no price!
To end on a note slightly less chauvinistic, even equipped with F-22 if not higher than that F-35 or other calamitous, the U.S. remains the world's air power, and for a very simple mathematical reason: the total system of U.S. Army and literally staggering number of devices that the U.S. Air Force could engage in conflict, strictly no chance to leave a foreign power ... even equipped Rafale!
The number is strength. This is the teaching of the world of insects, including ants ...
Directory and Calendar Aeronautics and Space - - Global aerospace - Sparaco Chronicles and Aerospace Insights - Deals and job application aeronautics - Global aerospace 2010 engineering & services Aeronautics and Space Portal
oopss!!
RAFALE BASHERS wont like this post as usual
french marketting B.S :lol:
CHEERS
Last December 4, an exercise took place between devices of the Greek Air Force and Rafale M, on board the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle for the operation "Belleau Wood" .
The training also provided an air outlet on December 3, but due to bad weather, it was partially canceled. The flights took place only in the morning of the second day.
Eight F-16 and Mirage 2000 four rubbed Rafale and Super Etendard Modernized the Navy.
This exercise, which took place off the coast of Crete, was proposed by the Navy and the Air Force Greek has immediately accepted the proposal.
Google Translate
F-22, T-50, J-20 and Rafale ... "efficiency" rhymes with "stealth"? -
It would be the biggest race of recent years: the sacrosanct stealth!
Americans, Russians and Chinese design their military aircraft to reduce or almost clear, their radar cross section (RCS). This is the basis of the architecture of the latest generation of aircraft. Their general forms are designed to reflect the least possible radar waves, and (in contact with the external air flow) "wet surfaces" are made of absorbent materials and coatings.
Examples of SER on American stealth aircraft:
- The RCS of a F-117 "Nighthawk" equals 0.0030 m2,
- The RCS of a B-2 "Spirit" is equivalent to 0.0015 m2.
- The RCS of an F-22 "Raptor" is equivalent to 0.0010 m2,
American side, then, the F-22 "Raptor" is the backbone of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). This device, which has seen many twists and youth problems, seem slowly mature. The United States the show as THE most powerful fighter in the world in his chosen field: air superiority. The USAF and the manufacturer Lockheed Martin boast to have created an unbeatable unit dogfight (dogfight between two hunters). We will see later that this bet has already been lost ...
Russian side, the latest manufacturer Sukhoi, T-50, is, according to Putin, "well above the F-22, plus maneuvering and 2-3 times cheaper" ... The T-50 combines the capabilities plane striking and classic hunter. The figures SER this aircraft is not disclosed, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of stealth. However, observing the forms of T-50, we guess its radar signature is relatively low. About its capacity dogfight, since the reputation of Russian aircraft maneuverability is second to none, and with hints of the statements of the first Cold War Russian minister, suggesting that the device would indeed formidable.
Chinese side, the Chengdu J-20 is a device size, very agile very wide radius of action, and which has in its hold, a very large payload of weapons. We do not know the exact purpose of the J-20, but because of its size and if it is given all the credit wishes be granted the manufacturer about the maneuverability of the aircraft, a vocation fighter-bomber sound like a no-brainer.
SER level, including its angular nose (largely inspired by the American F-22), everything seems to indicate that the neophyte airplane is indeed stealthy. This is unfortunately not the case and the J-20 is more cobbled scarecrow figure than anything else: just ducks flying plans ensure good visibility to radar. Moreover, when looking at a full color representation, derived from simulations based on an algorithm of optical physics simulation, performed at several levels of frequencies, one can see that the failure of the work of the stealth aircraft Chengdu. Simply put, this kind of representation polychrome, more colors are warmer, the radar signature is strong ... And for the J-20, "it is very hot!"
F-22, T-50, J-20 ... In 2013, which should be stealthy at all costs? Our Rafale would therefore completely obsolete? Of course not.
Not be stealth does not mean being less effective for all that.
If, at the outset, Dassault has not developed a stealth aircraft in the strict sense of the term, for an obvious reason: the 80s, when the first were plotted curves Rafale, were not the era of stealth.
And yet, from the drawing board, Dassault has undertaken to reduce the radar signature of the aircraft. Indeed, if the plans ducks and carrying weapons under the wings are a major handicap to the quality, the use of composite materials has helped to reduce the RCS of Rafale. Since the compressor blades are an important source of radar reflectivity, air intakes were placed so as to render impossible any direct views of the engines. The apparatus also uses materials that absorb radar waves: for example, the glass is coated with a thin gold layer, almost invisible to the naked eye. More recently, the Snecma company that designs and manufactures engine Rafale, has announced that "taken steps to reduce the infrared signature of the engines," without revealing details. Secret defense forces!
In sum, there is much to qualify Rafale semi-stealth aircraft ...
The other major advantage of Rafale, compared to the three other stealth aircraft mentioned above, is its multi-role appearance: air superiority, tactical bombing, strategic bombing, close air support, anti-ship attack, nuclear strike ... Rafale can do anything! It was, from the start of the program, the purpose of Dassault. The plane comes in two main versions: Air and Marine, declined themselves into several sub-versions dedicated.
On the other hand, the F-22 Raptor, the self-proclaimed kings of air superiority, have experienced crushing defeats in dogfights against the Rafale during exercise TRTA in 2009. This event is a real taboo in the USAF, and a real pride for the French pilot and Dassault ...
Moreover, during "Operation Odyssey Dawn" - American contribution to the military intervention of 2011, Libya - USAF has failed to commit its F-22, as she wished. Indeed, the Raptor, pride of the USA, revealed his inability to communicate with the NATO aircraft, due to lack of network connection "connection 16" (standard tactical data link NATO) realize ... that to perfection, the unit of Dassault.
Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, unlike all these "jewels stealth" Rafale has proven itself in combat and that, it has no price!
To end on a note slightly less chauvinistic, even equipped with F-22 if not higher than that F-35 or other calamitous, the U.S. remains the world's air power, and for a very simple mathematical reason: the total system of U.S. Army and literally staggering number of devices that the U.S. Air Force could engage in conflict, strictly no chance to leave a foreign power ... even equipped Rafale!
The number is strength. This is the teaching of the world of insects, including ants ...
Directory and Calendar Aeronautics and Space - - Global aerospace - Sparaco Chronicles and Aerospace Insights - Deals and job application aeronautics - Global aerospace 2010 engineering & services Aeronautics and Space Portal
oopss!!
RAFALE BASHERS wont like this post as usual
french marketting B.S :lol:
CHEERS
Last edited:
DrSomnath999
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STEALTH? YOU SAID STEALTH? Part 1
Currently, all fighters frontline, whether controlled or not, have in common that they are all dressed up in the word "stealth" arms are bunkers, the lines are similar, and nothing or almost exceeds the cell, in order to try to escape as possible to the electromagnetic waves produced by radar goal. Stealth is a very well known, but often wrongly used term, because the subject is much more complex than it seems.
In the first part of this article, we will describe what are the means available to a plane to be as unobtrusive as possible against his opponents. We will explore various technologies that allow the aircraft to escape electromagnetic waves, but also that it will be as discreet as possible in the infrared spectrum and finally the technical means to avoid or delay the detection of the appliance to opposing defenses.
In the second part, to be published in a few days, we will study in more detail the field of electromagnetic stealth radar with LPI and means to strengthen and counter the "stealth".
Article written by Yves Pagot in collaboration with Bruno Etchenic for portal aviation enthusiasts.
1) infrared discretion.
In general, when talking emission control about tickets, we think spontaneously emission of electromagnetic waves. However, a plane also produces infra red radiation (IR) due to heat. This can be generated by the own aircraft systems (especially motor and electrical components) or its interaction with the environment (the air friction against). Thus, an aircraft traveling at "low" speed will be much less identifiable, firstly because its reactor eject less hot air, but also because its surface will heat less in contact with air (and air itself in contact with air).
There are many systems to reduce the IR signature fighter: cold air flow around the hot gas ejected "caches" nozzles, or even cooling of the surface of the unit with fuel (case of F35).
Vector nozzles F22. The "palettes" ceramic deflect the air flow while hiding the hottest part. The rectangular design of the nozzles also allows much better control of the RCS of the aircraft compared to a round nozzle, but at the sacrifice of 3 to 5% thrust according to specialists.
2) the discretion emissions electromagnetic waves s.
It would be wrong however to reduce the emission control of the aircraft to infrared radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum is concerned. In the first place, the communication systems of the airplane with ... radio, but also:
-Data links:
the modern combat aircraft are able to collect, send and receive data on the tactical situation in "real time." For this they use connections (datalinks) that allow them to integrate into networks including AWACS radar aircraft, ships, ground stations ... These connections are standardized within NATO to allow the interoperability. The best known is the link 16, but there are others for example the exchange of images with ground troops (ROVER) etc.. These links are highly secure and relatively unobtrusive, but can still be detected. From this point of view, the F35 with its future bond MADL and Gripen with its binding TILDS, using links ave a very thin beam (pencil beam) are very advanced.
-The interrogation systems Friend / Foe (IFF)
We hear more and more about combat BVR (beyond visual range, beyond visual range). Engage an enemy out of sight requires obviously identify as such. For this, the aircraft have transponders that respond when asked. The latest version is NATO IFF Mode 5 / S which has been provided with the Eurofighter and the Rafale will be implemented in 2018 (standard F3R)
-Laser beams telemetry:
the (electro-optic) acquisition of optronic systems are indeed liabilities, but they do not (or poorly) to measure the distance to a detected object. In addition, laser rangefinders, whose beam is detectable used.
The emission-radar:
Because the source of a radar wave is detectable about four times as far as it can not detect an object itself, it is inconsistent for a stealth aircraft to use such an ability without which its presence is betrayed by his own emissions over long distances. To avoid this situation, the stealth aircraft use radar called "LPI" for Low probability of Intercept. This aspect of the technology will be detailed in the next section.
Generally, two methods are used to reduce these emissions: make very directional or little / no recognizable (similar to noise).
3) the discretion to face adverse electromagnetic emissions
The most common and best known of those interested a minimum combat aircraft for stealth means, is their ability to escape the waves of electromagnetic origin. To succeed in this small miracle, designers of an aircraft should minimize what is called the equivalent Surface Radar (or SER and Radar Cross Section RCS English).
For this, they need to work on several aspects of the airplane:
-The general drawing. More aircraft is large and includes angles, the more it becomes a haven for enemy radars. Designers should bring up the design of the cell, maximize the integration of wings in the fuselage, close the vents, do not provide moving parts and also prevent the turbine blades are visible from the outside, integrate antennas, etc..
-In detail, the rivets are prohibited, hatches and access panels are less visible as possible. This also becomes a nightmare for mechanics who maintain a stealth aircraft. Several systems can be used to decrease the energy of the electromagnetic wave which is reflected on the plane, as the multiplication of sawtooth shapes.
Use-absorbent materials and paints radar waves, and transforming the heat mostly (double edged therefore)
-Its armament. Suitable armament is also key in the search for greater radar discretion. Where a conventional GBU will have a range of about fifteen miles wide maximum, the aircraft will be closer to his target before firing, and thus maximize its chances of being detected. Pulling ammunition longer range, like cruise missiles (effective but very expensive), or kits flying bombs or motorized as Sagem AASM (over 50km range), the aircraft carrier has the option of draw further and therefore keep quiet as long as possible.
4) Avoid and bypass the detection means
A stealth aircraft is said it is difficult to detect or locate. To do this, he must avoid emitting or reflecting waves toward a target or threat, and that the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
The most obvious way is ... From around the threat! If it is known in advance, we will try to work around preparing the mission. If it occurs during the mission, it has a good chance of being spotted by specialized means that the transmit (and will be integrated into the combat system of the aircraft). Finally, the plane itself can detect threats and provide answers (and trajectories) appropriate. This is partly why is the famous SPECTRA System Protection and Avoidance Shot Burst pipes.
Just as simply another way will the presence of a barrier between the plane and the detector. This is an area of excellence in French air force has, since the onset of systems Mirage 2000N and D, and finally the Rafale, a terrain-following mode (digital maps and radar monitoring) enabling it to automatically fly at very low altitude at speeds absolutely disreputable for a human pilot, especially when flying through zero visibility (even if Vettel or Loeb). These capabilities enable him to interpose between him and his target terrain features (hills ...) or simply the curvature of the Earth.
Conclusion
The discretion of an aircraft will be equally related to its behavior (speed, altitude, emissions) than its intrinsic capabilities reflectivity radar waves. A good system for mission preparation, a good integration with a network of sensors (eg the famous via link 16), a careful use of active sensors to count as much discretion and therefore survivability and mission accomplishment that mere possession of an airplane with only a passive stealth.
In conclusion says stealth aircraft will actually do as long as they submit to a multitude of criteria, depending on the profile of the mission he accomplished. A stealth aircraft will never be totally invisible, but its purpose will be detected as late as possible.
portal aviation enthusiasts: STEALTH? YOU SAID STEALTH? Part 1
Currently, all fighters frontline, whether controlled or not, have in common that they are all dressed up in the word "stealth" arms are bunkers, the lines are similar, and nothing or almost exceeds the cell, in order to try to escape as possible to the electromagnetic waves produced by radar goal. Stealth is a very well known, but often wrongly used term, because the subject is much more complex than it seems.
In the first part of this article, we will describe what are the means available to a plane to be as unobtrusive as possible against his opponents. We will explore various technologies that allow the aircraft to escape electromagnetic waves, but also that it will be as discreet as possible in the infrared spectrum and finally the technical means to avoid or delay the detection of the appliance to opposing defenses.
In the second part, to be published in a few days, we will study in more detail the field of electromagnetic stealth radar with LPI and means to strengthen and counter the "stealth".
Article written by Yves Pagot in collaboration with Bruno Etchenic for portal aviation enthusiasts.
1) infrared discretion.
In general, when talking emission control about tickets, we think spontaneously emission of electromagnetic waves. However, a plane also produces infra red radiation (IR) due to heat. This can be generated by the own aircraft systems (especially motor and electrical components) or its interaction with the environment (the air friction against). Thus, an aircraft traveling at "low" speed will be much less identifiable, firstly because its reactor eject less hot air, but also because its surface will heat less in contact with air (and air itself in contact with air).
There are many systems to reduce the IR signature fighter: cold air flow around the hot gas ejected "caches" nozzles, or even cooling of the surface of the unit with fuel (case of F35).
Vector nozzles F22. The "palettes" ceramic deflect the air flow while hiding the hottest part. The rectangular design of the nozzles also allows much better control of the RCS of the aircraft compared to a round nozzle, but at the sacrifice of 3 to 5% thrust according to specialists.
2) the discretion emissions electromagnetic waves s.
It would be wrong however to reduce the emission control of the aircraft to infrared radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum is concerned. In the first place, the communication systems of the airplane with ... radio, but also:
-Data links:
the modern combat aircraft are able to collect, send and receive data on the tactical situation in "real time." For this they use connections (datalinks) that allow them to integrate into networks including AWACS radar aircraft, ships, ground stations ... These connections are standardized within NATO to allow the interoperability. The best known is the link 16, but there are others for example the exchange of images with ground troops (ROVER) etc.. These links are highly secure and relatively unobtrusive, but can still be detected. From this point of view, the F35 with its future bond MADL and Gripen with its binding TILDS, using links ave a very thin beam (pencil beam) are very advanced.
-The interrogation systems Friend / Foe (IFF)
We hear more and more about combat BVR (beyond visual range, beyond visual range). Engage an enemy out of sight requires obviously identify as such. For this, the aircraft have transponders that respond when asked. The latest version is NATO IFF Mode 5 / S which has been provided with the Eurofighter and the Rafale will be implemented in 2018 (standard F3R)
-Laser beams telemetry:
the (electro-optic) acquisition of optronic systems are indeed liabilities, but they do not (or poorly) to measure the distance to a detected object. In addition, laser rangefinders, whose beam is detectable used.
The emission-radar:
Because the source of a radar wave is detectable about four times as far as it can not detect an object itself, it is inconsistent for a stealth aircraft to use such an ability without which its presence is betrayed by his own emissions over long distances. To avoid this situation, the stealth aircraft use radar called "LPI" for Low probability of Intercept. This aspect of the technology will be detailed in the next section.
Generally, two methods are used to reduce these emissions: make very directional or little / no recognizable (similar to noise).
3) the discretion to face adverse electromagnetic emissions
The most common and best known of those interested a minimum combat aircraft for stealth means, is their ability to escape the waves of electromagnetic origin. To succeed in this small miracle, designers of an aircraft should minimize what is called the equivalent Surface Radar (or SER and Radar Cross Section RCS English).
For this, they need to work on several aspects of the airplane:
-The general drawing. More aircraft is large and includes angles, the more it becomes a haven for enemy radars. Designers should bring up the design of the cell, maximize the integration of wings in the fuselage, close the vents, do not provide moving parts and also prevent the turbine blades are visible from the outside, integrate antennas, etc..
-In detail, the rivets are prohibited, hatches and access panels are less visible as possible. This also becomes a nightmare for mechanics who maintain a stealth aircraft. Several systems can be used to decrease the energy of the electromagnetic wave which is reflected on the plane, as the multiplication of sawtooth shapes.
Use-absorbent materials and paints radar waves, and transforming the heat mostly (double edged therefore)
-Its armament. Suitable armament is also key in the search for greater radar discretion. Where a conventional GBU will have a range of about fifteen miles wide maximum, the aircraft will be closer to his target before firing, and thus maximize its chances of being detected. Pulling ammunition longer range, like cruise missiles (effective but very expensive), or kits flying bombs or motorized as Sagem AASM (over 50km range), the aircraft carrier has the option of draw further and therefore keep quiet as long as possible.
4) Avoid and bypass the detection means
A stealth aircraft is said it is difficult to detect or locate. To do this, he must avoid emitting or reflecting waves toward a target or threat, and that the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
The most obvious way is ... From around the threat! If it is known in advance, we will try to work around preparing the mission. If it occurs during the mission, it has a good chance of being spotted by specialized means that the transmit (and will be integrated into the combat system of the aircraft). Finally, the plane itself can detect threats and provide answers (and trajectories) appropriate. This is partly why is the famous SPECTRA System Protection and Avoidance Shot Burst pipes.
Just as simply another way will the presence of a barrier between the plane and the detector. This is an area of excellence in French air force has, since the onset of systems Mirage 2000N and D, and finally the Rafale, a terrain-following mode (digital maps and radar monitoring) enabling it to automatically fly at very low altitude at speeds absolutely disreputable for a human pilot, especially when flying through zero visibility (even if Vettel or Loeb). These capabilities enable him to interpose between him and his target terrain features (hills ...) or simply the curvature of the Earth.
Conclusion
The discretion of an aircraft will be equally related to its behavior (speed, altitude, emissions) than its intrinsic capabilities reflectivity radar waves. A good system for mission preparation, a good integration with a network of sensors (eg the famous via link 16), a careful use of active sensors to count as much discretion and therefore survivability and mission accomplishment that mere possession of an airplane with only a passive stealth.
In conclusion says stealth aircraft will actually do as long as they submit to a multitude of criteria, depending on the profile of the mission he accomplished. A stealth aircraft will never be totally invisible, but its purpose will be detected as late as possible.
portal aviation enthusiasts: STEALTH? YOU SAID STEALTH? Part 1
DrSomnath999
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Low-speed looping (follow the speed on the left upper corner). Rafale 's exceptional handling qualities.
[video=youtube;2Z-Kurz9RZg]
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[video=youtube;2Z-Kurz9RZg]
CHEERS
DrSomnath999
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Dassault Rafale VS Eurofighter Typhoon2 half
for more refer this source
portal aviation enthusiasts: Dassault Rafale VS Eurofighter Typhoon2 2/2
for more refer this source
portal aviation enthusiasts: Dassault Rafale VS Eurofighter Typhoon2 2/2
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