Are they still seriously looking at Rafale as an airborne UCAV controller?
YES, there was a collaborative programme with Boeing demonstrated at Eurosatory AND Le Bourget Airshow some years ago (2005).
http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/enjeux_defense/preparer_l_avenir/demonstrateurs/les_demonstrateurs
Moustique : une simulation pilotée mettant en oeuvre 4 UCAV guidés depuis un Rafale biplace.
The point was to demonstrate the feasability as well as the technologies involved and they did just that down to the software and instalation of the system in a Rafale D rear seat (Simulator).
I do not know though if this was test-flown or anything because it is quiet a subject to get infos about and there is nothing new about it since that i have heared of but it was presented by Marseille’s Centre d’essais en vol (CEV / base d’essais en vol d’Istres) in Sept 2005.
http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/votre_espace/presse/dossiers/la_dga_aux_rencontres_nation_defense_2005
BTW this is the main reason why Dassault themself didn’t demonstrate autonomous flight for an UAV untill late last year with AVE-D, different priorities, expecialy because SAAB who are expert in this field ARE Main partner with the nEUROn programme.
Something people also forget to mention:
EVEN the Defense Minister’s White Book underlines Dassault capabilties to DESIGN and MANUFACTURE fully indigenous high-performance fighters as a STRATEGIC asset for France’s National Security.
Enuff said, those who hope Rafale to be the “last one” might well be repeating the same mystake that we were witnessing when they designed F1 and then 2000, the country WILL retain these capabilties as part of our National Security Strategy.
http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/layout/set/popup/content/download/43894/438333/file/rafale145_fiche_rafale_v5.pdf
Utter Tosh… Again…
WHOTWAZAT?
He might not elaborate technicaly so prettyly but he is perfectly right.
THIS is where Rafale lead Dassault-Aviation.
1) Main architect and Design authority on nEUROn. (Responsible for FCS)
2) Preliminary studies from DGA programme on an Operational version of nEUROn.
3) Feasability studies on technologies for (export) Mirage 2000 and Tornados replacement (EFCAS).
4) First composite part for the nEUROn UCAV as early as June 2007.
5) Further developement of Dassault Composite technology and production sites.
Otherwise said at design and engineering level; unvaluable.
As for the Rafale programme it’s not over, DGA ordered further developement for new capabilties.
DSI = “Défense & Sécurité Internationale”. It’s a (well done) monthly about defense & security questions…
Here’s the issue#15’s picture:
Et un Pinot, UN! Merci!😀
SOC;1351408]
Are you kidding me? The entire nose section has been reprofiled, the intakes have been slid to the rear along the fuselage, the wing sweep was changed, the wing and tail outlines were changed…the YF-22 underwent a lot of evolution to get to the production configuration.
From DRYDEN with love. 😎
My fav was always the F-23 but i dont bash-up F-22 design for that matter, and i agree with my national specialists who regards it as the “most powerful” of all fighters (translated from French literaly)..
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