In June, the member "PolluxDeltaSeven" (moderator here) managed to interview several pilots/officiers and technicians.
His intention was to gather informations about several point frequently discussed about on various fora.
Here comes his report :
1) Operation Harmattan over Libya has been a great demonstration, helping in some negociations. However, the effort had a
huge impact on training and formation in France
;
2) Rafale can't fly for more than 10 hours. It's limited by the oil reserve. In addition, we try not to plan flight longer than 7 to 8 hours, as it's extremly tiring for the crews. However, during a campaign, we can quickly notice the difference between Mirage 2000 and Rafale crews, since the Rafale's pit and flight qualities are much more comfortable ;
3) The order for additional 59 FSO-IT (for the 59 F3 delivered without FSO) is eagerly waited. It was once considered optional, but in fact, it's a real must-have for all missions. Without it, the RBE-2 having no NTCR mode, it's a real step-back. The lack of a new IR channel will be compensated by Damocles for night identification (short range though) and Mica IR for search and track. The Mica IR detection range is less than the OSF, but still described as "much more than enough" ;
4) The Mica's range is well under the Amraam's range, at all altitude. Dot. But Rafale pilots compensate with appropriate tactics (based on discretion and networking). The missile datalink is situated under the radar and depends upon several modules. However, its integration to radar justify the fact that French want a one way datalink for the Meteor ;
5) Spectra (and all softwares) have a special "exportation" mode so as to protect the secrets when a foreign pilot is onboard. In Libya, Spectra has done extremely well, protecting and guiding the raids, and collecting signals. Its performance coupled with AASM allows inexperienced crews to conduct SEAD missions, even though DGA has not explored all the possibilities yet. In air-to-air, Spectra is accurate enough to cue (and shoot) a Mica
on its own, at least for self-defense ;
6) The sensor fusion is described as "exceptional" and the MMI as "perfect". Threats are automatically prioritized flawlessly and faster than than we can realize. Those MMI have impressed all foreign pilots (including US, and UAE F16b60 pilots). This gives the Rafale a very quick reaction capability said to be unique on the market. Compared with the F16b60 (which sensors only provide raw data, leaving to the pilot the "fusion" work), the Rafale pilot can concentrate on desired effect rather than on situation understanding ;
7) The lack of a HMDS is not seen as a problem, because they have tactics to counter it...
In fact, Rafale is made to avoid long range BVR and too close WVR. Its strengths reside in medium ranges and short BVR where it's redoubted. Thus, the HMD is quite useless because Rafale would shoot before entering the Aim-9/R-73 range. However, pilots would like to have a HMD for international exercises where RoE can be unrealistic for the Rafale, preventing them from using their normal tactics. The interest for a HMD would be revived for an export customer willing to integrate another short range missile though ;
8) As negociations with the UAE revealed, the RBE-2 still lack some radar modes which are compensated by FSO and Damocles ;
9)
the special 3 AASM pylon can carry 2 GBU-16 and is compatible with all of the 5 heavy/wet points (even under belly) ;10) about exercise against other types : pilots claim that Rafale has worked very well against all its opponents, both in BVR and WVR. In fact, they are eager to meet with something newer like the F-22, in a much less restrictive manner than in UAE in 2009. They know what they are capable of against older gen fighters, and they want more.
(rules)
