some rafale nice pics again:

21Ankush is there an uprated engine upgrade coming anytime ? thrust is the only area where the Rafale loses out to the Typhoon- but given that during the Mirage-2000’s lifespan the M-53 never recieved any comprehensive upgrades to increase thrust, I dont know if France takes upgrading reliable engines for added thrust as a priority..

The only thing that is sure is that if there is a new version of m88 the AdA will choose longer life span and lower consumption rather than an increase in thrust. Basically you can choose between a 90kn instead of 75kn version of the m88 (the m88-3 with the same life span and consumption) and the m88-ECO with a 50% increase life span and lower consumption.

But like everyone here I don’t know if those engines improvments will be implemented.

this is true. they often carry 3 drop tanks for long CAP in adition.

This is today rafale’s typical air superiority configuration:

today the maximum AtoA missile you can have on a rafale is 6.

Theorically you can put two more on the centerline stations and two more on the under the wings at its extremity. That make a total of 10 (theory). Those station are alredy wired.

But as far as I know the AdA and the MN didn’t express intrest in such a configuration with 8 or 10 AtA missiles. This would lead to further extensive testings. so this configuration remains to be opened. That is why you will see rafale with a maximum of 6 AtA missiles for the moment.

I am sure if they wanted they could put double (or even triple) racks pylone for meteor, a bit like for lgb and AASM!:D it would be certainly feasible, but this is just dreaming….12 missiles:D !

some very nice fresh pics:

France seen sealing jets sale to Morocco-report

Tue May 22, 2007 12:02PM EDT
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PARIS, May 22 (Reuters) – The sale to Morocco of 14 French Rafale combat aircraft from Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research has been finalised on the French side but is still awaiting the approval of Morocco, a French weekly newspaper reported on Tuesday.
“Prepared during the (President Jacques) Chirac era, the dossier has been, as one says, ‘finalised’,” Le Canard Enchaine said. “It received technical and financial green lights and only lacks one signature, that of Morocco’s king. French authorities have no reason to doubt the imminence of this royal signature.”
Reuters got an advanced copy of the publication due for release on Wednesday.

French defence ministry officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Dassault Aviation declined to comment, repeating that the negotiations took place between the two governments.

((Writing by Dominique Vidalon; editing by Paul Bolding; Reuters Messaging

http://www.reuters.com/article/tnBas…56015320070522

rafale news thread here.