I find it odd that the empty weight would count autodefense missiles. But in the unlikely event that it would be true, how many missiles would that be? Just the wing tip missiles?
Nic
In the case of all Rafales; MICA IR and to tell you the truth, it is the correct way to compute a weight with weapons and fuel, at least you have your basic weight right.
I don’t remember it being much different on the IIIE exept for the Chaffs and Flares, which i have never seen on base.
So you would start with the aircraft when new, and as early as it is “dirty” you need to change to this configuration as basic weight, exactly as they do at Edward AFB, check that out…
From there, all pylons and weapons/stores weights are known values, you can figure the weight per configuration and find the right performance chart to define the mission profile from take off (standard procedure; you know espected acceleration rates and rotate speeds).
If you’re good at it, you’re going to optimise your range and performances, including in A2A after an A2G mission.
Order for 60 Rafale
(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Nov. 12, 2009)
(Issued in French; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
France’s defense ministry has approved funding for the 4th Rafale production batch, and will award the contract for the 60 new aircraft by year-end. (French AF photo)French Defence Minister Hervé Morin approved, during the Nov.12 meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Investments, an order for 60 Rafale combat aircraft for the Navy and Air Force.This order, funded in the 2009 Finance Act, brings to 180 the number of Rafale on order.
As provided for in the multi-year military planning law, the delivery dates of the aircraft will be adjusted as necessary to accommodate export contracts. This ensures optimal organization of the production line, both for domestic needs and for those countries to which France has proposed a partnership in the Rafale program.
These latest aircraft will be delivered with the new active antenna radar and enhanced self-protection suite.
The contract will be awarded by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) before the end of the year to the main manufacturers involved in the Rafale program: Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran and MBDA. Over a hundred companies of all sizes will also benefit from this order.
The Rafale is an omnirole aircraft designed to ensure all of the missions currently performed by different types of fighters: air defense and air superiority, ground attack, anti-ship warfare, close air support, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike.
Existing in single-seat and two-seat versions, Rafale operates from ground bases or from an aircraft carrier. It entered service with the French Navy in 2004 and with the French air force in 2006. The Rafale has been engaged in combat missions flown from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and in Afghanistan.
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/109786/france-approves-order-for-60-rafale.html
Good news for everyone! 😀
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