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The Rafale is France's next generation fighter. Development
was started in the early 1980's with the first Rafale A demostrator
flying in 1986. The Rafale A was used to validate the major
design features including the general airframe, the fly-by-wire
system and the new SNECMA M88 turbofan. Service Rafales are
slightly smaller than the Rafale A and so far are being produced
in three versions, the single seat Rafale M for the French
Navy, and the two and one seat Rafale B and C for the Armee
de l'Air. The B and C models are grouped under the common
Rafale D designation. The Rafale M entered service on the
aircraft carrier Charle de Gaulle in 2001 and the air force
version will enter service in 2003. The Rafale features a
large delta wing and canard foreplanes. It is fitted with
an advanced, electronically scanned RBE2 radar, LCD cockpit
displays, a helmet mounted sight, voice commands, FLIR, IRST
and a laser rangefinder. The Rafale can employ a wide range
of advanced weaponry. Despite intensive lobbying the Rafale
is yet to gain an export order in a crowded market.
Initial operational software standard for Rafale M, designated
F1, will permit air defense missions against multiple targets
using Magic and radar-homing version of MICA. F1.1 will add
IR guided MICA and MIDS datalink for communication with E-2C
Hawkeye AEW aircraft. F2 will apply initially for air force
Rafales delivered from 2002 and combine F1 with air-to-ground
radar modes and the ability to launch APACHE, SCALP and ANNG
weapons. F2 to qualify in 2004. F3 provides full capabilities
to naval and air force Rafales, including a developed version
of ASMP nuclear standoff weapon and the OSF electro-optical
suite.
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