Is France Buiding Its Very Own F-35?
Some key technologies are coming to a new fighter Paris wants.
Is France Buiding Its Very Own F-35?
Some key technologies are coming to a new fighter Paris wants.
Is France Buiding Its Very Own F-35?
MMRCA 2.0 - Updates and Discussions
- Thread starter Picdelamirand-oil
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I hope they don't built there own obese fat duck, I particularly like the agile stealthy Rafale, why you want to downgrade it to F35 levels is beyond me
Dassault products are smart !
So they just take the assets of F35 (communication node) and put that in the Rafale.
In the case it adds some weight, no problem : the M88 will be uprated as part of the F4 standart.
Forget about the elections. celebrate repeat orders for Rafale. Modi is coming back with a much bigger majority. My whole family including in-laws voted for him.
Well not so big. But I wanted to emphasise that people are voting for Modi in very large numbers.is it a so huge family that your votation is decisiv ?
You will have to wait till mid 2020 but the process will be very smooth and quick.
India’s old friend Russia offers to transfer technology and produce MiG-35 in India: MIG CEO
By: Huma Siddiqui | New Delhi | Published: May 27, 2019 3:04:22 PM
In an exclusive interaction, Ilya Tarasenko, CEO, MiG Corporation of Russia shares with Financial Express Online, his company’s offering of MiG-35 for the Indian Air Force and plans for Make in India and setting up of an aerospace ecosystem.
Russia and India have reached such an outstanding level of confidence after decades of fruitful cooperation in the field of defense. In an exclusive interaction, Ilya Tarasenko, CEO, MiG Corporation of Russia shares with Financial Express Online, his company’s offering of MiG-35 for the Indian Air Force and plans for Make in India and setting up of an aerospace ecosystem. Following are excerpts:
Is the company offering MIG 35 for the IAF? Have you identified your Indian partners who will work on the production here?
JSC “RAC “MiG” is participating in tender process for supply of aircraft to the IAF through Rosoboronexport. The Corporation is offering its newest lightweight Russian fighter MiG-35, in accordance with “Make-in-India” program requirements. Aircraft complex enables to use the full scope of air weapons, both already existing and future, of Russian or foreign origin, including the ones designed for heavy fighters.
For more than half a century we have been shaping a common understanding with the Indian partners. During decades of cooperation we have created vast infrastructure, supporting the operations of MiG type of aircraft in India, as well as their production and after-sale support.
We have set up simulator and service centers in India. But the most important thing is that we have learnt to understand the philosophy, spirit and the real needs of the IAF. This experience helps us to have an open and meaningful communication both with Indian military personnel and the industry.
We are about to finalize an agreement with our Indian industrial partner and at the same time we are having negotiations with a wide range of industrial enterprises to elaborate a unique and advantageous offer to participate with in the IAF tender. We are in the process of concluding several technical issues. After it is officially signed and, of course, given the consent of our Indian partner, we will be able to disclose more information on the parameters of the offer we are making.
How is the MiG-35 compared to the American F-16s and the F-18s and the Swedish Gripen?
MiG-35 is a new aircraft complex, with all the technologies applied in it that enable us to attribute this aircraft to the fifth generation. We have focused on achieving maximal parameters of its avionics and today I can confidently say that it demonstrates better combat effectiveness than its competitors for range and efficiency of use. New Russian avionics is used in MiG-35, software system has been upgraded, new cockpit with multifunctional display, connected with avionic complexes, has been installed.
Moreover, we have designed modern airborne radar – AESA. The radar is noted for increased range and provides for detection, tracking, recognition and acquisition of air, ground and surface targets in front and back semi-spheres, day and night at the distance of 190 km.
The fighter will be equipped with new types of guided and unguided air weapons, enabling to perform combat tasks with maximum efficiency. Moreover, the new MiG-35 digital weapons control system enables to also integrate any future weapons of Russian or foreign design that will fully interface weapons of Indian produce.
“MiG” Corporation has implemented a completely new navigation and target acquisition system with a special weapons control system, and a new onboard communication complex, all of which, will be of particular interest to our Indian partners.
While developing MiG-35 we used the aerodynamic configuration of MiG-29 and it was our designers’ sensible and successful decision. Several number of surveys and comparative analysis of modern complexes (including the ones you are asking about) were conducted and we found that the “wing-fuselage platform” of MiG-29 is much better in comparison with its competitors’ platforms in terms of maneuverability and low visibility.
In order to achieve lowest visibility possible or, as our competitors call it the “stealth” effect, we have made airframe modification and have used innovative proprietary Russian coating, providing MiG-35 the maximal low radar-locating visibility.
Taking into account long years operational experience of the IAF and their requirements we have been analyzing through many decades of cooperation, “MiG” engineers have considerably modified the onboard defense complex and opto-electronic reconnaissance system stations used only in the most up-to-date 4++ and 5 generation aircrafts.
Make in India: Are you willing to transfer the critical technologies for making in India?
Of course, we are ready for that too. We fully understand India’s aspiration to be one of the first defense importers to shift from buying ordering not just the standard systems that are already in serial production, but also the state-of-the-art systems designed in accordance with India’s individual requirements.
Russia, like no other defense exporter, has been always willing to transfer technology along with the product to our time-tested partner. Our first under license production was set here, in India, back in the 1960s with the production of fighter MiG-21 being established in India. Since then there have been many lines of defense products of Soviet and Russian design set up in India. In fact, Russia offered `Make in India’ almost half a century back long before it became an established trend.
Yes, we are ready to transfer technology and necessary documentation to partner enterprises for production of our fighters in India. Above that we are ready to participate setting up the required infrastructure in India required to provide maintenance and support to our jets through their whole life-cycle.
Any plans on setting up a new ecosystem for the aerospace industry?
As mentioned earlier, we are interested in development of industry of India. That’s why we are working out a number of options how to improve the local infrastructure to better MiG-35 operation during the whole life cycle. Our vision is implemented in our new concept of MiG aircraft post-sale support, which is based on international PBL principles.
New post-sale support model implies transition from rendering separate on-request services and spare parts supply to a more comprehensive system of ensuring a set of final performance standards that among other things include set levels of armament serviceability, material operational reliability and full cost of armament system for the customer. This system will require closer cooperation with the Indian industry and localization of some key technological skills in India.
For quality aircraft support a team of Russian specialists needs to be present in the country for the whole post-sale support contract period. “MiG” is also planning to train and include into the technical team Indian professionals. This will help create new qualified jobs in the real sector of the Indian economy. As an example we are now launching a MiG-29UPG service center that will do the repair and maintenance of units and aggregates. We can carry out more centers of the kind typically in cooperation with the IAF and Indian companies.
What about the Offets?
In accordance with tender requirements and the Indian legislation we offer India an offset program that will include a range of works executed jointly with the Indian partner as well as transferring our production and maintenance technologies on a stage-by-stage basis. The final concept of offset program is to be approved by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) at the contract signing stage.
I will reiterate we are ready to share our modern technologies and train staff, contributing to a better combat operability of the Indian Air Force and creating work places in India.
Do you think the Indian companies can absorb the Transfer of technology and build specific subsystems?
Indian specialists have already proved they can quite well and fast master technologies of Russian aircraft production. They know our equipment very well too: MiG—21 aircraft was manufactured in India under license, as is now MiG -29UPG being upgraded in India. No doubt, the already existing experience gives us a solid platform for a successful and smooth transfer of MiG-35 production technologies to Indian companies, which is, indeed, to our mutual advantage.
How expensive is MiG-35 compared to the others?
MiG-35 is a better offer from the point of view of “cost-effectiveness”. The cost of the aircraft operation within its life cycle is 20% lower that competitors’, thanks to the fact that in the last years the Russian aviation industry has optimized many processes by which we have succeed in achieving effective result at lower cost.
I would also like to stress that we are offering not only a fighter, but the whole aircraft complex. By which I also mean infrastructure, computer-aided training system, most modern simulators, as well as modular system of post-sale support. Introducing the MiG-35 aircraft complex into its inventory, the IAF will get the new aircraft with many 5-gen capabilities, high fleet serviceability set up to required parameters and levels and a modern industrial infrastructure at an optimal cost as at the initial stage we can benefit from adjusting and building upon the existing infrastructure.
US Sanctions: what would be the mode of payment?
I am sure that given a long and glorious history of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India on a wide range of weapons systems we will find the forms of future cooperation that will be suitable and beneficial for both parties.
Source: India’s old friend Russia offers to transfer technology and produce MiG-35 in India: MIG CEO
By: Huma Siddiqui | New Delhi | Published: May 27, 2019 3:04:22 PM
In an exclusive interaction, Ilya Tarasenko, CEO, MiG Corporation of Russia shares with Financial Express Online, his company’s offering of MiG-35 for the Indian Air Force and plans for Make in India and setting up of an aerospace ecosystem.
Russia and India have reached such an outstanding level of confidence after decades of fruitful cooperation in the field of defense. In an exclusive interaction, Ilya Tarasenko, CEO, MiG Corporation of Russia shares with Financial Express Online, his company’s offering of MiG-35 for the Indian Air Force and plans for Make in India and setting up of an aerospace ecosystem. Following are excerpts:
Is the company offering MIG 35 for the IAF? Have you identified your Indian partners who will work on the production here?
JSC “RAC “MiG” is participating in tender process for supply of aircraft to the IAF through Rosoboronexport. The Corporation is offering its newest lightweight Russian fighter MiG-35, in accordance with “Make-in-India” program requirements. Aircraft complex enables to use the full scope of air weapons, both already existing and future, of Russian or foreign origin, including the ones designed for heavy fighters.
For more than half a century we have been shaping a common understanding with the Indian partners. During decades of cooperation we have created vast infrastructure, supporting the operations of MiG type of aircraft in India, as well as their production and after-sale support.
We have set up simulator and service centers in India. But the most important thing is that we have learnt to understand the philosophy, spirit and the real needs of the IAF. This experience helps us to have an open and meaningful communication both with Indian military personnel and the industry.
We are about to finalize an agreement with our Indian industrial partner and at the same time we are having negotiations with a wide range of industrial enterprises to elaborate a unique and advantageous offer to participate with in the IAF tender. We are in the process of concluding several technical issues. After it is officially signed and, of course, given the consent of our Indian partner, we will be able to disclose more information on the parameters of the offer we are making.
How is the MiG-35 compared to the American F-16s and the F-18s and the Swedish Gripen?
MiG-35 is a new aircraft complex, with all the technologies applied in it that enable us to attribute this aircraft to the fifth generation. We have focused on achieving maximal parameters of its avionics and today I can confidently say that it demonstrates better combat effectiveness than its competitors for range and efficiency of use. New Russian avionics is used in MiG-35, software system has been upgraded, new cockpit with multifunctional display, connected with avionic complexes, has been installed.
Moreover, we have designed modern airborne radar – AESA. The radar is noted for increased range and provides for detection, tracking, recognition and acquisition of air, ground and surface targets in front and back semi-spheres, day and night at the distance of 190 km.
The fighter will be equipped with new types of guided and unguided air weapons, enabling to perform combat tasks with maximum efficiency. Moreover, the new MiG-35 digital weapons control system enables to also integrate any future weapons of Russian or foreign design that will fully interface weapons of Indian produce.
“MiG” Corporation has implemented a completely new navigation and target acquisition system with a special weapons control system, and a new onboard communication complex, all of which, will be of particular interest to our Indian partners.
While developing MiG-35 we used the aerodynamic configuration of MiG-29 and it was our designers’ sensible and successful decision. Several number of surveys and comparative analysis of modern complexes (including the ones you are asking about) were conducted and we found that the “wing-fuselage platform” of MiG-29 is much better in comparison with its competitors’ platforms in terms of maneuverability and low visibility.
In order to achieve lowest visibility possible or, as our competitors call it the “stealth” effect, we have made airframe modification and have used innovative proprietary Russian coating, providing MiG-35 the maximal low radar-locating visibility.
Taking into account long years operational experience of the IAF and their requirements we have been analyzing through many decades of cooperation, “MiG” engineers have considerably modified the onboard defense complex and opto-electronic reconnaissance system stations used only in the most up-to-date 4++ and 5 generation aircrafts.
Make in India: Are you willing to transfer the critical technologies for making in India?
Of course, we are ready for that too. We fully understand India’s aspiration to be one of the first defense importers to shift from buying ordering not just the standard systems that are already in serial production, but also the state-of-the-art systems designed in accordance with India’s individual requirements.
Russia, like no other defense exporter, has been always willing to transfer technology along with the product to our time-tested partner. Our first under license production was set here, in India, back in the 1960s with the production of fighter MiG-21 being established in India. Since then there have been many lines of defense products of Soviet and Russian design set up in India. In fact, Russia offered `Make in India’ almost half a century back long before it became an established trend.
Yes, we are ready to transfer technology and necessary documentation to partner enterprises for production of our fighters in India. Above that we are ready to participate setting up the required infrastructure in India required to provide maintenance and support to our jets through their whole life-cycle.
Any plans on setting up a new ecosystem for the aerospace industry?
As mentioned earlier, we are interested in development of industry of India. That’s why we are working out a number of options how to improve the local infrastructure to better MiG-35 operation during the whole life cycle. Our vision is implemented in our new concept of MiG aircraft post-sale support, which is based on international PBL principles.
New post-sale support model implies transition from rendering separate on-request services and spare parts supply to a more comprehensive system of ensuring a set of final performance standards that among other things include set levels of armament serviceability, material operational reliability and full cost of armament system for the customer. This system will require closer cooperation with the Indian industry and localization of some key technological skills in India.
For quality aircraft support a team of Russian specialists needs to be present in the country for the whole post-sale support contract period. “MiG” is also planning to train and include into the technical team Indian professionals. This will help create new qualified jobs in the real sector of the Indian economy. As an example we are now launching a MiG-29UPG service center that will do the repair and maintenance of units and aggregates. We can carry out more centers of the kind typically in cooperation with the IAF and Indian companies.
What about the Offets?
In accordance with tender requirements and the Indian legislation we offer India an offset program that will include a range of works executed jointly with the Indian partner as well as transferring our production and maintenance technologies on a stage-by-stage basis. The final concept of offset program is to be approved by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) at the contract signing stage.
I will reiterate we are ready to share our modern technologies and train staff, contributing to a better combat operability of the Indian Air Force and creating work places in India.
Do you think the Indian companies can absorb the Transfer of technology and build specific subsystems?
Indian specialists have already proved they can quite well and fast master technologies of Russian aircraft production. They know our equipment very well too: MiG—21 aircraft was manufactured in India under license, as is now MiG -29UPG being upgraded in India. No doubt, the already existing experience gives us a solid platform for a successful and smooth transfer of MiG-35 production technologies to Indian companies, which is, indeed, to our mutual advantage.
How expensive is MiG-35 compared to the others?
MiG-35 is a better offer from the point of view of “cost-effectiveness”. The cost of the aircraft operation within its life cycle is 20% lower that competitors’, thanks to the fact that in the last years the Russian aviation industry has optimized many processes by which we have succeed in achieving effective result at lower cost.
I would also like to stress that we are offering not only a fighter, but the whole aircraft complex. By which I also mean infrastructure, computer-aided training system, most modern simulators, as well as modular system of post-sale support. Introducing the MiG-35 aircraft complex into its inventory, the IAF will get the new aircraft with many 5-gen capabilities, high fleet serviceability set up to required parameters and levels and a modern industrial infrastructure at an optimal cost as at the initial stage we can benefit from adjusting and building upon the existing infrastructure.
US Sanctions: what would be the mode of payment?
I am sure that given a long and glorious history of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India on a wide range of weapons systems we will find the forms of future cooperation that will be suitable and beneficial for both parties.
Source: India’s old friend Russia offers to transfer technology and produce MiG-35 in India: MIG CEO
IAF Chief BS Dhanoa to embark on four-day visit to Sweden from June 3
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will begin a four-day visit to Sweden, beginning June 3.
"Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is embarking on a four-day official visit to Sweden from June 3 to June 6. The bilateral goodwill visit is on the invitation by the Chief of the Swedish Air Force," the IAF said in a statement on Sunday.
Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units and interact with senior functionaries of the Swedish Air Force among others.
The visit is expected to provide an impetus towards defence cooperation and pave the way for greater interaction and cooperation between the Air Forces as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two Air Forces, read the statement.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had visited Sweden in February this year. During her visit, India and Sweden signed defence cooperation and security protection agreements.
Interestingly, Swedish Company SAAB is a contender in the Indian Air Force's multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft programme.
The Swedish company is fielding its Gripen fighter jet in the contest and is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Russian MiG-35, and French Rafale jets.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will begin a four-day visit to Sweden, beginning June 3.
"Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is embarking on a four-day official visit to Sweden from June 3 to June 6. The bilateral goodwill visit is on the invitation by the Chief of the Swedish Air Force," the IAF said in a statement on Sunday.
Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units and interact with senior functionaries of the Swedish Air Force among others.
The visit is expected to provide an impetus towards defence cooperation and pave the way for greater interaction and cooperation between the Air Forces as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two Air Forces, read the statement.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had visited Sweden in February this year. During her visit, India and Sweden signed defence cooperation and security protection agreements.
Interestingly, Swedish Company SAAB is a contender in the Indian Air Force's multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft programme.
The Swedish company is fielding its Gripen fighter jet in the contest and is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Russian MiG-35, and French Rafale jets.
Since F21 is out,IAF may try to check Gripen-E option as a low cost fighter if they are planning for 36 (Rafale)+72 (low cost) combination .Gripen-E can use most of the Rafale ammunition that will be an advantage but major selection factor will be cost.
The IAF is interested in the Gripen E because it's currently the most advanced fighter among all the competitors when it comes to air to air capability, particularly the configuration offered to us that has not been offered to other Gripen customers, including the Swedish Air Force.
But I don't believe the IAF is going to go out of their way to gloss over procedures for the Gripen. It's going to have to beat the Rafale and other competitors in the tender first.
Also, the tender won't get split. It won't work that way. The Gripen E is a very different requirement from the Rafale anyway and the IAF wants both in equal numbers.
Dassault Aviation at the 53rd Paris Air Show
Saint-Cloud, France, 4 June 2019 – Dassault Aviation is particularly proud to present its dual civil and defense know-how at the 53rd edition of the International Paris Air Show at Paris-Le Bourget from June 17-23, 2019.
The Dassault Aviation stand will be located in Hall 2A, position 251. The display will include mockups of Falcon, Rafale, special-mission Falcon, ATL2, UAVs, future aircraft and space vehicles, accompanied by information panels, video screens and showcases describing our activities. A “Rafale Inside” space will offer visitors a virtual reality experience. The stand will also describe our environmental protection work.
The static display will feature the Rafale, Falcon 8X, 900LX, 2000S/LXS and the Falcon 6X cabin. There will also be a special exhibit, with a simulator demonstrating the operational capabilities of the Rafale. Dedicated high tech areas will focus on Customer Support.
Every day in the early afternoon, the Rafale flight demonstration will be performed by the French Air Force, while the Falcon 8X demonstration will be flown by our test pilots.
Dassault Aviation will take part in the fourth edition of the “Careers Plane” and the Employment and Training Forum. These events will allow people interested in a career in aerospace to watch demonstrations and explore career opportunities directly with our engineers, technicians, production line specialists and recruitment personnel. In 2019, we are recruiting 1,000 people in all sectors of activity (design, production, support, digital).
Dassault Aviation will also be present in the Paris Air Lab innovation zone, where our specialists will coordinate the “Big Data & Artificial Intelligence” exhibit: pilot decision-making aids (MMT advanced study program); Big Data applications in civil and military maintenance; Big Data visualization using a digital twin.
Finally, Dassault Aviation will welcome to the show a number of partners which it supports under its charitable actions:
- The Fondation des Œuvres Sociales de l’Air (AAF);
- The Fondation Antoine de Saint-Exupéry for young people;
- “Elles Bougent”, an association to encourage female students to select an engineering career;
- “Rêves de gosses” and “Un avion, un enfant, un rêve”, associations offering a first flight experience to extra-ordinary children;
- Dorine Bourneton, handicapped aerobatic pilot.
* * *
About Dassault Aviation, industrial architect:
- A century of accumulated experience, with 10,000 aircraft sold in 90 countries and more than 100 prototypes exploring all possible formulae: very high and very low speed, variable geometry, vertical takeoff, carrier-borne aircraft, ballistic missiles, space systems, stealth UAVs, etc.
- Leader on the New Generation Fighter (NGF) in cooperation with European partners.
- Designer and manufacturer of the Rafale combat aircraft, capable of performing all types of mission for air forces and naval aviation forces.
- Designer and manufacturer of the ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft and special mission Falcons (including SURMAR).
- Designer of the nEUROn UCAV, produced in cooperation with European partners.
- Designer and manufacturer of Falcon business aircraft, recognized for their low fuel consumption, technological innovations, flight characteristics and versatility.
- Reference industrial shareholder in the Thales group, alongside the French State, and nexus of a strategic industrial network including hundreds of companies in France and other countries.
- Precursor in the digital domain, preferred partner of Dassault Systèmes, world leader in 3D solutions.
- In 2018, Dassault reported revenues of €5.1 billion. The company has 11,500 employees.
Dassault Aviation at the 53rd Paris Air Show
WHAT FUTURE FIGHTER PLANE FOR SWITZERLAND? - THE CASE OF THE RAFALE
After the long woes that led to the cancellation of the purchase of a new combat aircraft (Gripen E / F Saab) following a referendum in May 2014, Switzerland decided to restart a process of selection to equip its Air Force with a new combat aircraft that can replace its aging F-5E / F Tiger II and F / A-18C / D Hornet. It is in this context that the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) announced, on November 8, 2017, that "the Federal Council had just taken decisions in principle concerning the renewal means of protection of Swiss airspace ".
This competition between American and European aircraft manufacturers is now fully launched, since between April and June 2019, all competitors take turns at the Payerne airbase, located in western Switzerland. , on the banks of Lake Neuchâtel.
Defens'Aero was on hand, closer to the actors, and offers to return with this file on these tests, and more broadly on the entire Swiss program "Air2030 - Protection of airspace." After a first part on the selection process, the Swiss expectations and the state of the Air Forces, this second and last part will be exclusively devoted to the offer proposed to Switzerland by GIE Rafale International.
© Paul Basque - The B354 of the Air Force returning from a flight enters a hangar of the Swiss Air Force.
On Thursday, May 16, two Rafale landed at the Payerne airbase. The first, the Rafale B301, belongs to Dassault Aviation, while the second, the Rafale B354 4-FU, belongs to the 2/4 "La Fayette" Fighter Squadron of the French Air Force. The B301's industrial and B354 forces are both standard F3-R, making the B354 one of the first Rafale to be upgraded to the latter standard.
For these tests, the crews are also mixed because there are test pilots from Dassault, supported by an Air Force pilot, head of the detachment CEAM (Military Air Force Expertise Center) in Istres, and a second in the French Navy, seconded to the DGA-EV (DGA-Flight Test). The pilots of the forces were present here to ensure so-called "operational" flights during air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, to show the combat capabilities of the aircraft.
The GIE (economic interest group) Rafale International, which brings together Dassault Aviation, Safran and Thales gave a press conference on Tuesday May 21 before the Swiss and foreign journalists present for the occasion. At the table, to present the Rafale, its capabilities and assets for the Swiss Air Force, were Mrs. Anne Paugam, Ambassador of France in Switzerland, Philippe Da Silva Passos (Dassault Aviation), Campaign Director for the Rafale in Switzerland , General Vincent Thomassier (Directorate General of Armament), campaign leader Rafale in Switzerland for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, General (ret) Joel Rode (Dassault Aviation), DA's operational advisor, Colonel Nicolas Pascal (Army of Air), director of experimentation at CEAM and exchange pilot on Swiss F / A-18 Hornet, as well as Jean-Michel Meyer (GIE Rafale International Switzerland), head of the Rafale International office in Switzerland.
In turn, according to their area of expertise, the speakers tried to convince the Swiss press of the interest of the French plane.Far from Boeing's warrior speeches during the presentation of the Super Hornet, especially with a plane that faces Chinese and Russian stealth fighter planes, the French team chose the reason with a focus on: sovereignty of the product, the Franco-Swiss partnership and the possibilities for evolution.
Today, the F3-R includes all the systems already present on the Rafale with, in addition, the integration of the very long-range METEOR air-to-air missile, the TALIOS observation and laser nacelle and the systems AGCAS (Automated Ground Collision Avoidance System).
The next generation, the F4, is based on four pillars: Connectivity with new satellite and intra-patrol links, a communication server, a software radio; embedded systems with RBE2 radar enhancement and front-sector optronic sensors (OSF), SPECTRA countermeasure device update; the efforts with the integration of the renovated SCALP-EG cruise missiles and MICA IR and EM NG (new generation) and the implementation of the 1000 kg AASM; and finally, availability with the implementation of a new prognostic and diagnostic aid system for more preventive maintenance, a new computer for M88 engines and a more verticalized Maintenance in Operational Condition (MCO).
The F5 standard, which must be in force around the years 2050/2060, still remains rather vague today, but we know that it should include, above all, a mid-life modernization (MLU), a Low Observable kit ( LO), weapons bays, the ability to cooperate in the air and mission with drones (UCAV Cooperation), the involvement of the Galileo positioning system, and an avionics with a single screen (as on F-35).
© Paul Basque - An air-to-air MICA IR (infrared) training missile.
© Paul Basque - The two pilots are here wearing the TARGO II helmet visor.
In addition to these three great notions put forward by the French team, it has not failed to present the operational capabilities of the Rafale, but at the scale of a country like Switzerland and the needs it requires. Exit then, the aerial combat against stealth fighter planes or the possibility of going to strike terrorist groups to kilometers of home. Here, Paris has highlighted several essential capabilities for Swiss missions.
First in terms of air superiority with operational permanence (or "sky police"), the team demonstrated the Rafale's ability to be able to take off quickly, for a short distance, to intercept an unidentified or distressed aircraft. . Then, it was also put forward the system of follow-up of ground. In France, this system is used, among other things, to hit high speed in the heart of enemy territory and without being spotted by enemy radar. In Switzerland, it can be used to join, intercept and escort a lost tourist plane in a valley, even (and especially) in bad weather. The pilot allows the aircraft to follow the topography of the terrain and can then concentrate on assisting the aircraft in distress.
Finally, the AGCAS system was also detailed. Because of the mountains and high peaks that are found in Switzerland, during close air combat, pilots find themselves quickly at the height of the mountains. In this type of situation, during a loss of consciousness or in bad weather conditions with an undervalued distance, the proximity to the peaks can be fatal for a pilot, leading to the crash. In fact, with the AGCAS, the system "recovers" the plane and thus saves the pilot's life.
Although this has not been confirmed to us, the Rafales are offered for sale with the air-to-air MICA IR (infrared) and EM (electromagnetic) missiles, the very long-range METEOR air-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles ground (GBU and AASM GPS / Laser in several versions), the TALIOS observation and laser nacelle and the TARGO II helmet finder from Israeli aircraft manufacturer Elbit Systems. Finally, there is also the SNIPER observation and laser nacelle of the American Lockheed Martin. The RECO-NG reconnaissance pod is not offered, so reconnaissance missions will be conducted with TALIOS or SNIPER.
The implication in these trials of French fighter pilots with the helmet visors shows that some have already been trained in their use, and especially for this evaluation. Thus their training will be "a useful experience" we are told for the future of the French forces. The SNIPER nacelles belong to their manufacturer and not to Dassault. The integration of SNIPER and TARGO is already acquired since they equip the Rafale EQ / DQ of the Air Force of the Emir of Qatar.
Dassault Aviation wanted to bring the SNIPER into its bunkers in order to demonstrate to Switzerland certain capabilities that will be possible soon with the TALIOS, notably that of reconnaissance, but which were not at the time of the evaluations. This allows the aircraft manufacturer not to penalize itself by not proposing anything on the areas requested by Switzerland.However, it can very well dismiss the TALIOS and select the SNIPER. On the other hand, this did not prevent the Swiss pilots from being able to observe the qualities of the French nacelle. Finally, note that over these two weeks of testing, the France team has allowed a 100% availability to both Rafale.
© Paul Basque - The SNIPER nacelle under the Rafale B301 from Dassault Aviation.
Google Translate
After the long woes that led to the cancellation of the purchase of a new combat aircraft (Gripen E / F Saab) following a referendum in May 2014, Switzerland decided to restart a process of selection to equip its Air Force with a new combat aircraft that can replace its aging F-5E / F Tiger II and F / A-18C / D Hornet. It is in this context that the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) announced, on November 8, 2017, that "the Federal Council had just taken decisions in principle concerning the renewal means of protection of Swiss airspace ".
This competition between American and European aircraft manufacturers is now fully launched, since between April and June 2019, all competitors take turns at the Payerne airbase, located in western Switzerland. , on the banks of Lake Neuchâtel.
Defens'Aero was on hand, closer to the actors, and offers to return with this file on these tests, and more broadly on the entire Swiss program "Air2030 - Protection of airspace." After a first part on the selection process, the Swiss expectations and the state of the Air Forces, this second and last part will be exclusively devoted to the offer proposed to Switzerland by GIE Rafale International.
© Paul Basque - The B354 of the Air Force returning from a flight enters a hangar of the Swiss Air Force.
On Thursday, May 16, two Rafale landed at the Payerne airbase. The first, the Rafale B301, belongs to Dassault Aviation, while the second, the Rafale B354 4-FU, belongs to the 2/4 "La Fayette" Fighter Squadron of the French Air Force. The B301's industrial and B354 forces are both standard F3-R, making the B354 one of the first Rafale to be upgraded to the latter standard.
For these tests, the crews are also mixed because there are test pilots from Dassault, supported by an Air Force pilot, head of the detachment CEAM (Military Air Force Expertise Center) in Istres, and a second in the French Navy, seconded to the DGA-EV (DGA-Flight Test). The pilots of the forces were present here to ensure so-called "operational" flights during air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, to show the combat capabilities of the aircraft.
The GIE (economic interest group) Rafale International, which brings together Dassault Aviation, Safran and Thales gave a press conference on Tuesday May 21 before the Swiss and foreign journalists present for the occasion. At the table, to present the Rafale, its capabilities and assets for the Swiss Air Force, were Mrs. Anne Paugam, Ambassador of France in Switzerland, Philippe Da Silva Passos (Dassault Aviation), Campaign Director for the Rafale in Switzerland , General Vincent Thomassier (Directorate General of Armament), campaign leader Rafale in Switzerland for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, General (ret) Joel Rode (Dassault Aviation), DA's operational advisor, Colonel Nicolas Pascal (Army of Air), director of experimentation at CEAM and exchange pilot on Swiss F / A-18 Hornet, as well as Jean-Michel Meyer (GIE Rafale International Switzerland), head of the Rafale International office in Switzerland.
In turn, according to their area of expertise, the speakers tried to convince the Swiss press of the interest of the French plane.Far from Boeing's warrior speeches during the presentation of the Super Hornet, especially with a plane that faces Chinese and Russian stealth fighter planes, the French team chose the reason with a focus on: sovereignty of the product, the Franco-Swiss partnership and the possibilities for evolution.
- Sovereignty:
- Partnership and cooperation:
- Evolution :
Today, the F3-R includes all the systems already present on the Rafale with, in addition, the integration of the very long-range METEOR air-to-air missile, the TALIOS observation and laser nacelle and the systems AGCAS (Automated Ground Collision Avoidance System).
The next generation, the F4, is based on four pillars: Connectivity with new satellite and intra-patrol links, a communication server, a software radio; embedded systems with RBE2 radar enhancement and front-sector optronic sensors (OSF), SPECTRA countermeasure device update; the efforts with the integration of the renovated SCALP-EG cruise missiles and MICA IR and EM NG (new generation) and the implementation of the 1000 kg AASM; and finally, availability with the implementation of a new prognostic and diagnostic aid system for more preventive maintenance, a new computer for M88 engines and a more verticalized Maintenance in Operational Condition (MCO).
The F5 standard, which must be in force around the years 2050/2060, still remains rather vague today, but we know that it should include, above all, a mid-life modernization (MLU), a Low Observable kit ( LO), weapons bays, the ability to cooperate in the air and mission with drones (UCAV Cooperation), the involvement of the Galileo positioning system, and an avionics with a single screen (as on F-35).
© Paul Basque - An air-to-air MICA IR (infrared) training missile.
© Paul Basque - The two pilots are here wearing the TARGO II helmet visor.
In addition to these three great notions put forward by the French team, it has not failed to present the operational capabilities of the Rafale, but at the scale of a country like Switzerland and the needs it requires. Exit then, the aerial combat against stealth fighter planes or the possibility of going to strike terrorist groups to kilometers of home. Here, Paris has highlighted several essential capabilities for Swiss missions.
First in terms of air superiority with operational permanence (or "sky police"), the team demonstrated the Rafale's ability to be able to take off quickly, for a short distance, to intercept an unidentified or distressed aircraft. . Then, it was also put forward the system of follow-up of ground. In France, this system is used, among other things, to hit high speed in the heart of enemy territory and without being spotted by enemy radar. In Switzerland, it can be used to join, intercept and escort a lost tourist plane in a valley, even (and especially) in bad weather. The pilot allows the aircraft to follow the topography of the terrain and can then concentrate on assisting the aircraft in distress.
Finally, the AGCAS system was also detailed. Because of the mountains and high peaks that are found in Switzerland, during close air combat, pilots find themselves quickly at the height of the mountains. In this type of situation, during a loss of consciousness or in bad weather conditions with an undervalued distance, the proximity to the peaks can be fatal for a pilot, leading to the crash. In fact, with the AGCAS, the system "recovers" the plane and thus saves the pilot's life.
Although this has not been confirmed to us, the Rafales are offered for sale with the air-to-air MICA IR (infrared) and EM (electromagnetic) missiles, the very long-range METEOR air-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles ground (GBU and AASM GPS / Laser in several versions), the TALIOS observation and laser nacelle and the TARGO II helmet finder from Israeli aircraft manufacturer Elbit Systems. Finally, there is also the SNIPER observation and laser nacelle of the American Lockheed Martin. The RECO-NG reconnaissance pod is not offered, so reconnaissance missions will be conducted with TALIOS or SNIPER.
The implication in these trials of French fighter pilots with the helmet visors shows that some have already been trained in their use, and especially for this evaluation. Thus their training will be "a useful experience" we are told for the future of the French forces. The SNIPER nacelles belong to their manufacturer and not to Dassault. The integration of SNIPER and TARGO is already acquired since they equip the Rafale EQ / DQ of the Air Force of the Emir of Qatar.
Dassault Aviation wanted to bring the SNIPER into its bunkers in order to demonstrate to Switzerland certain capabilities that will be possible soon with the TALIOS, notably that of reconnaissance, but which were not at the time of the evaluations. This allows the aircraft manufacturer not to penalize itself by not proposing anything on the areas requested by Switzerland.However, it can very well dismiss the TALIOS and select the SNIPER. On the other hand, this did not prevent the Swiss pilots from being able to observe the qualities of the French nacelle. Finally, note that over these two weeks of testing, the France team has allowed a 100% availability to both Rafale.
© Paul Basque - The SNIPER nacelle under the Rafale B301 from Dassault Aviation.
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The sole common weapons are : Meteor, US laser bombs. It's few.
Gripen only seemed affordable for the very first customer :
And never lost that it is a frontal competitor to Tejas. Imagine you sell Tejas to Malaysia, how to explain to purchase Gripen now ?
Rafale will be always no1 contender but Gripen has lots of updated technological and also it has full integration of modern weapons such as the AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, and MBDA Meteor missiles (as per Wiki). If Gripen cost will be same as F21 I think it will be a good deal, It will be definitely cheaper than Rafale.
We are yet to develop Tejas MWF or Tejas Mk1A. So if we need the number and the capabilities I think Gripen will be a better option.
About Malaysian requirement, they don't even need IAF standard Tejas. HAL may remove some of the modules from TejasMK1 for cost-cutting. We should believe in our products. Tejas is a way better product from its competitor and Malaysian Airforce completely aware of this.