Know Your 'Rafale'

The Maverick

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40 more Rafael by 2025 to 2027.under Gov deal.at 8 to 9 billion dollars,

123 tejas by 2027 to 2029 at 6 billion dollars

then finally mark 2 in 2029 to 2035 for 114 tejas mark 2

I want to 230 mark 1 and 2 by 2035

72 Rafale

upgrade 100 su30mki to super mki

keep 140 base 'line mki

80 mig29 upgrades

rest can be scrapped
 

BON PLAN

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Mig 21 replacement thing started in 70/80s. It's similar to the howitzer acquisition when the requirements were raised in 70-80s and still not fulfilled.

French wanted us to buy Mirage but UK insisted on Jags. Rest is history.

Not going further into it. I said 2010 because it's irrelevant now when Tejas is already flying and mk2 is onboard. We have already spent money on Rafale.

If we go by your logic then Mirage would have killed Tejas too as both are single engine fighter jet. It's just ridiculous.

If we had gone for Mirage 2k we would have stuck like Jags when the OEM country stopped using it.

Gripen on the contrary have future. Regarding tech Gripen E except being smaller in size is second to none with advanced user interface and cockpit , infact it is what we want our Tejas mk2 to become or exceed.
Just imagine India purchasing the M2000 line and producing 120 M2000-5 in the early 21st century.... What a missed opportunity....
 

BON PLAN

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TOT is transfer of tech in the platform. Offset is using the value of offset in for example setting up manufacturing fuselage of Dassault Business Jets.
* Huge difference in transferring Rafale Tech Vs Dassault Business Jet Tech
No jet manufacturer will give you sensible ToT for just 36 birds. for 120 maybe....
 

Flying Dagger

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Just imagine India purchasing the M2000 line and producing 120 M2000-5 in the early 21st century.... What a missed opportunity....
The cost quoted was too high in comparison to the Su-30 we were already producing or starting to.

We could have got 200+ Mig 35 instead and still save a lot.
 

BON PLAN

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The cost quoted was too high in comparison to the Su-30 we were already producing or starting to.

We could have got 200+ Mig 35 instead and still save a lot.
No Mig35 in 2000 - 2005.
If M2000 remains one of the most appreciate jet in the IAF after 35 years it's not without some very good reasons....
 

Flying Dagger

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No Mig35 in 2000 - 2005.
If M2000 remains one of the most appreciate jet in the IAF after 35 years it's not without some very good reasons....
Mig 35 is essentially Mig 29 UPG larger Minus the Aesa radar it was available. First flight was in 2007 Indian Migs were upgraded to the same standard.

IAF appreciate their Mig 29/UPG too.
 

BON PLAN

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Mig 35 is essentially Mig 29 UPG larger Minus the Aesa radar it was available. First flight was in 2007 Indian Migs were upgraded to the same standard.

IAF appreciate their Mig 29/UPG too.
a mig 35 without AESA is not a mig 35.... and 2007 was late. Rafale was already looked by IAF with envy.
 

BON PLAN

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Rafale had AESA in 2006-7 ? Only F-16/18 were offered with AESA then.
it had a PESA, with the AESA in the road map. It only takes 2 hours to remove the PESA antenna and fit the AESA one. AESA first antenna were on the shelf in 2012, as in the road map agenda.

The interest is that all the softwars developped for PESA were AESA compatible. So the Rafale AESA was immediatly on service with a wide range of soft and database. It was intended from the day one of PESA Rafale radar. Something that Gripen and EF2000 AESA radars will not have.
 

WolfPack86

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Decision to buy more Rafale aircraft or new fighter jets under consideration, IAF chief says

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria Monday for the first time officially indicated that the decision to buy two more squadrons of Rafale fighter jets is under consideration. He, however, made it clear that the IAF was currently focusing on the order to be issued soon for 83 Light Combat Tejas Mark 1A. “At the moment, we are concentrating on 83 LCA Mk 1A. After that, the follow-up planned is MRFA (multi-role fighter aircraft), which is ‘Make in India’ and the other line is on LCA versions, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),” said the IAF chief while addressing the media during his annual press conference. “In terms of whether we go in for more Rafale or MRFA, it will be an open competition as it is currently planned. We have received the RFI (Request for Information) responses. So this entire subject is under discussion and debate. As and when this situation and the picture becomes clear and we finalise the way forward, we will share with you,” he added. Asked by ThePrint on what the IAF favours as the next lot of Rafale aircraft will be cheaper than the 36 jets bought in 2016 and that logistics are already in place to cater to two more squadrons, the IAF chief said the issue is “on the table in terms of taking a final call”. “I can’t discuss that question and answer before we take a final decision. This is a subject, which is under discussion. The current status is that we have received all of the RFI (Request for Information sent out for 114 MFRA) responses. All these issues are on the table in terms of taking a final call. As and when we decide, we will then tell you,” he said. “There is no point in saying because of this (next lot will be cheaper and logistics in place) let us do this. There are various issues to be considered. All these facts are there. As soon as we take it, we will tell you”. Rafale procurement Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat had in February said the government will go in for staggered purchase of fighter jets, which was seen as an advantage to Rafale. As reported by ThePrint, there is a thinking within the government that India should go in for two additional squadrons of the Rafale fighter jets besides better versions of the indigenous LCA Tejas and AMCA. This was because a large component of the €1,700 million paid for India Specific Enhancements in Rafale will come down as the majority of the cost was for Research and Development, modification and certification. The cost of setting up the base and training will also come down since India had paid for setting up two bases for just 36 aircraft. These bases can easily accommodate more squadrons of the aircraft without additional cost. Also, future Rafale fighter jets will come with no offsets under the new policy of the government, thereby bringing down the cost further. 36 Rafale jets to be operationalised by 2023 Meanwhile, the IAF chief said that the 36 Rafale fighter jets will be operationalised completely by 2023. While the IAF has operationally inducted 5 such French fighters, an additional 3-4 jets will come by end of this month or early November. “This will keep happening every 3-4 months,” he said. The IAF chief also said integration of Rafale brings in a platform, which is the way ahead and would give the force an edge and capability to strike first and deep.
 

FOXBAT ALOK

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Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon : Which One Is Better (Part-2)

source : https://defenceview.in/rafale-vs-gripen-vs-eurofighter-typhoon-which-one-is-better-part-2/


1602052987169.png
1602052987169.png
According to most experts as a fighter-interceptor, the EF-2000 is the superior. “Rafale” is slightly inferior to him in flight characteristics

Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon : Which One Is Better (Part-1)

The maneuverability at subsonic and supersonic speeds is also a slight advantage behind eurofighter. The radius of the established reversal of the “French” is a little less. The traction, maximum speed and maximum speed are higher than that of the “Eurofighter” and in these parameters it is preferable as an interceptor and aircraft to gain air superiority. The difference in traction is especially noticeable – 1.19 against 0.98.

Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter BVR capabilities
rafale


For the melee air combat at Rafale, the French Air Force and Navy are armed with the R550 “Majik” II missiles, the Eurofighter uses IRIS-T, AIM-9 “Sayduinter” and AIM-132 ASRAAM (on export variants “Rafale” can also be integrated into the weapon system AIM-9 and AIM-132 ASRAAM).

Image of the GSN AIM-132 ASRAAM target aircraft of the F-4
Image of the GSN AIM-132 ASRAAM target aircraft of the F-4
rafale


The IRIS-T and AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles are more advanced than the French R550 “Majik” II.

The AIM-132 guidance system provides:

  • launch outside of visual visibility (target capture mode after launch) with the capture of the target on the trajectory on the target from the inertial system. It is also possible to recapture the target at its loss. This mode ensures that a target is hit before the short-range air battle.
  • Launch in the mode of capturing the target of the GSN in the suspension under the carrier.
  • Launch at the corners of the target sighting more than 90 degrees (shooting “over the shoulder”). This mode is supported by the high maneuverability of the missile and makes it possible to use the AIM-132 as a means of self-defense of the carrier aircraft.
The IRIS-T missile also provides an over-the-shoulder launch mode, is capable of maneuvering with overloads of up to 60g, the IRIS-T UR can perform a 180 ° horizontal turn with a turn radius half that of the Russian R-73 missile.

The Rafale with the R550 Majik II missiles is more likely to lose. However, the Arsenal of the French fighter has a MICA missile. It was developed as a replacement for the Matra Super 530D/F medium-range missiles and the Matra R550 Magic II melee missiles. The main feature of MICA was its “versatility” – the ability to use at medium and short distances, with the ability to maneuver with overloads up to 50g. The MICA missile can be conventionally classified as short/medium-range dual-range missiles. It is superior in maximum speed (MI4) IRIS-T, but is inferior in terms of allowable congestion and the minimum range of launch (500 m at MICA vs. 300 m iris-T), which plays an important role in melee air combat.

The MICA missile in two versions: MICA EM with active radar GSN and MICA IR with biospectral thermal imaging GSN operating in the range of 3-5 and 8 12 microns
The MICA missile in two versions: MICA EM with active radar GSN and MICA IR with biospectral thermal imaging GSN operating in the range of 3-5 and 8 12 microns

In modern air combat, the tactics of fighter aircraft are not limited to short-range maneuverable combat as it was, for example, in World War II. With modern technical equipment, it is necessary to strive for an earlier detection of the enemy at long or medium distances. Who is faster and at a greater distance it will do and earlier will use guided armament “air-to-air” for that and victory in air combat. The detection of an aerial target is influenced by many factors: the technical capabilities of radar and optical detection, the use of EW, the amount of effective scattering area (EPR) and more.

Rafale has more technical and constructive measures to reduce EPR than other European fighter jets. It is equipped with BRLS RBE2 with PFAR, providing the possibility of launching on priority targets of 8 SDs of air-to-air class at intervals of 2 s. Spectra REB system is considered to be more advanced by Western specialists than the DASS system on Eurofighter. On this basis, the French expect to succeed in long- and medium-range combat.


The “Eurofighter” is equipped with a “classic” pulse-Doppler radar “Captor” with mechanical scanning, in terms of characteristics and noise immunity it is a modern radar with a high scanning speed (considered one of the best in the world in its class). In terms of detection range, the Captor radar surpasses RBE2.


rafale



Both aircraft have optical-electronic detection systems. On “Rafale” stands the System Thomson-CSF OSF with an infrared sensor and a heat pulse with long-focus optics, complex with a laser rangefinder with a range of detection of an air target 50 km (television channel) and 100 km (IR channel). Eurofighter has a passive thermal (infrared) system for detecting and escorting PIRATE air targets, capable of detecting a target at a distance of up to 90 km (according to other data 150 km).

MICA EM with active radar GSN and MICA IR with thermal imaging GSN are available in rafale arsenal for medium- and long-range air combat. Eurofighter is armed with a U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM missile (in European countries according to the Military Balance-2019 manual in service with the AIM-120B modification) with active radar GSN. Both aircraft may use a long-range Meteor guided missile.

Suspension on the Eurofighter of the German Air Force SD long range Meteor.
Suspension on the “Eurofighter” of the German Air Force SD long range Meteor.
rafale


The MICA missile is superior to the American AIM-120B. With a lighter weight, it provides a greater range of use, has much greater maneuverability and can be used in close maneuvering combat. Now for export, the United States offers more advanced versions of the AIM-120C-5 and AIM-120C-7. In terms of range, they have already passed into the class of long-range missiles.

MICA IR at the end of the Rafal wing. The two-section elemones show saw-shaped edges that serve as an EPR.
MICA IR at the end of the Rafal wing. The two-section elemones show saw-shaped edges that serve as an EPR.

A positive factor in favor of Rafale in the use of medium-range missiles is the performance of MICA missiles in two variants. In a difficult jamming environment (and this is the most likely option in modern combat), the French fighter will have the advantage of using MICA IR missiles with thermal imaging GSN. High resolution and integrated algorithms allow MICA IR GSN to effectively accompany targets over long distances and screen out heat traps. The GSN has the ability to capture a target on a trajectory after a missile is launched without the use of a data line. In this mode, the missile is applied in accordance with the principle of “launched-forgotten.” The use of these missiles, the improved EW system, the theoretically greater interference of the PFAR, and the fact that the designers of “Rafale” have more in the design of the aircraft measures to reduce the EPR give a slight advantage to “Rafale” when used in air combat at long distances.

Rafale M, equipped with four MICA EM and two MICA IR.
Rafale M, equipped with four MICA EM and two MICA IR.

Sweden’s JAS 39C in horizontal maneuverability is not inferior to competitors, but has noticeably lower traction, speed. The air-to-air weapon used is similar to euro-air.

A significant drawback of Gripen is the lack of optical-location detection tools on it. And only on the modification JAS 39E installed infrared search and tracking system IR-OTIS.


The use of CDL39 data exchange equipment greatly expands tactical capabilities with the combat use of JAS 39C. The Swedish military believes that information superiority over the enemy plays a decisive role. The very idea they “looked” at the Russian MiG-31, only executed it at a higher technological level (it is understandable, the plane was created later than the Soviet). In active mode, four aircraft can simultaneously exchange information, and receive information in passive mode can an unlimited number of aircraft. For example, two aircraft, being in the range of their air defense can detect and issue coordinates of the target, and others at this time secretly without the inclusion of the BRLS to launch missiles on them.

It must be said that all three European aircraft are being developed with ATFAR-based radars, which will greatly enhance their capabilities.

Summing up we can say that the success in air combat will be influenced by the competent use of tactical techniques, careful planning of the air operation, the use of the advantages of the aircraft, individual training of pilots.


Most specialists prefer to be a fighter for Eurofighter. The general consensus is the stated information on the results of the competition for a new fighter for the Swiss Air Force. According to the Swiss military, Rafale surpassed the EF-2000 in air combat. They also noted that the French aircraft was less difficult to operate and capable of carrying out a wider range of tasks. The pilots noted the superiority of Eurofighter in flight characteristics and load on the pilot in flight and praised the capabilities of BRLS RBE2, Spectra REB complex and optoelectronic equipment at Rafale.
 

FOXBAT ALOK

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Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon : Which One Is Better (Part-3)

source: https://defenceview.in/rafale-vs-gripen-vs-eurofighter-typhoon-which-one-is-better-part-3/

1602053497610.png


Welcome to part 3 of Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon .The most “main caliber” of all three aircraft is cruise missiles (KR). Rafal and EF-2000 use the British-French KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG (British/French designation), Eurofighter and Gripen can use the Swedish-German CD KEPD-150/350 TAURUS (the Swedish Air Force has not been supplied as of 2019). The Rafal can be used specifically to disable the Apache runway with a range of up to 140 km.

Read Previous Part :

Each aircraft can carry two CRS. They are designed to destroy highly protected military installations. The characteristics of Storm Shadow/SCALP EG and KR KEPD-350 TAURUS are roughly equal. They were executed with the use of stealth technology. It should be said that the KEPD-350 is developing a whole family of KR with different combat units:

  • THE TAURUS KEPD-150 (TAURUS L) is a lightweight version with fewer fuel tanks and a lightweight BPC for lower-capacity carriers.
  • TAURUS MP (Modular Payload) is an option that allows you to install an arbitrary payload as a combat part.
  • TAURUS M is a variant with a cluster combat unit, designed to hit distributed small targets (positions of air defences, airfields, clusters of armoured vehicles, etc.).
  • TAURUS HPM (High Power Microwave) is a missile equipped with a special combat unit with a high-power microwave emitter to disable enemy information systems and energy sources.
Rafale_eurofighter_gripen


KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG.
KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG.
KEPD-350 TAURUS cruise missiles.
2 KEPD-350 TAURUS cruise missiles.

The main means of hitting ground targets for all European vehicles are the American-made adjustable air bombs (CAA) with laser guidance weighing up to 900 kg.

To install 227, 454, 910 calibers on conventional free-to-air bombs, France has developed a modular AASM kit (similar to the American JDAM). Rafal can carry six AASM CABs and apply them for six targets at the same time. French CAB with AASM outperforms American JDAM in terms of characteristics. The range reaches up to 60 km (up to 1 meter) against 28 km at JDAM. They are capable of hitting ground targets moving at speeds of up to 80 km/h (U.S. GBU-12 – 40 km/h). A significant drawback of French products is their extremely high cost of 300,000 dollars, which is more than 10 times more expensive than American counterparts.

AASM's KAB
AASM’s KAB has three options for guidance.
six AASMs
Suspension of six AASMs on Rafale

Eurofighter’s arsenal includes Brimstone guided missiles to destroy mobile armoured targets with a range of 11-12 km. Such missiles can carry up to 18 units (at six suspension points three at each). During NATO’s military campaign against Libya in 2011, Brimstone missiles were used against tanks on the streets of Misrata. According to the pilots, this is an extremely effective weapon for use in urban environments.

Eurofighter typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon in a multi-purpose configuration with Brimstone missiles and Paveway bombs, as well as Meteor and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles.

It also has American-made CABs. When using the aircraft to directly support the troops, the “euro-fighter” will have to enter the range of the military air defence. In a similar situation, Rafal has the advantage of using AASM with a longer range.

Eurofighter and Gripen are hung from a hanging container with a Lightning II infrared front-view system, a container with a higher-performance DAMOCLES television-laser target, and sensitive elements of which allow the recognition of armoured vehicles at a distance of up to 27 km, which also increases the chances of survival of the French fighter when using precision weapons.


The arsenal of used weapons on the JAS-39C is less diverse than that of its “colleagues”. However, after the installation of the MS20 software, it was able to use small-diameter GBU-39 bombs (up to 8 pieces). The GBU-39 SBD (Small Diameter Bomb) is an American controlled high-precision air bomb with wings spread out in the air. Thus, the bomb is able to plan and its range reaches 110 km (!) when discharged from a height of 10,000 m. Its mass is only 130 kg, it has small dimensions. Thus, the problem of increasing the number of hit targets per aircraft and departure is solved. In the SBD II variant, it is capable of hitting moving mobile targets. With the use of the GBU-39, Gripen’s ability to directly support troops looks more than worthy compared to the larger European fighters.

Jas-39c
JAS 39C equipped with GBU-39 SBD, Meteor and IRIS-T.

On the JAS 39E modification, the range of weapons has increased markedly and includes KAB GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-49, GBU-22, GBU-24, GBU-53 small diameter bombs, AGM-154 tactical guided-missile systems, AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. The Swedish “baby” will thus surpass Eurofighter and Rafal in the strike capabilities.

Rafale, EF-2000 and JAS 39E aircraft can be suspended by up to four portable missiles (PKR), and two missiles can be fired on the JAS-39C. The U.S. AGM-84 Harpoon has higher range characteristics, but it should be noted that Eurofighter is unlikely to be able to use Harpoon’s maximum capabilities with its full-time detection capabilities.


Rafale_eurofighter_gripen



Among the advantages of “Rafale” is its ability to conduct intelligence. To do this, it is hung with a RECO-NG container with IR and television reconnaissance equipment, capable of operating in day and night conditions at altitudes from 60 to 15,000 m. It allows you to obtain a television image of remote ground objects with high resolution. Digital processing is used to improve image quality. Information can be transmitted to a ground station in real-time at a rate of 50 Mbps. After completing 385 reconnaissance sorties, Rafali provided about 30% of the total number of images collected by the coalition’s tactical intelligence.

THE JAS 39C can also carry the SPK 39 reconnaissance container, which includes an optoelectronic sensor and digital imaging system. The downside of SPK 39 is that it is not possible to transmit intelligence in real-time.


The cost of operation is much cheaper for the Swedish JAS 39C with a flight hour cost from $4,700 to $7,000. (according to various sources, 2012 estimate). For Rafal, this figure is between $16,700 and $18,000, while EF-2000 has about $18,000. Interesting reports of the German press about the problems with the operation of their fighters. According to Deutsche Welle, with reference to Spiegel Online, the operation of combat vehicles is much more expensive than the planned level. The figure of 80,000 is named. Euro (!) for the cost of one euro-hour Eurofighter in 2013.

Summing up, I would like to say that all three fighters have a high combat potential, are equipped with modern avionics and weapons, are able to perform a wide range of tasks. Everyone has their own peculiarities, but in the complex of combat characteristics they are about equal and it is difficult to give anyone a clear preference. Developers are constantly improving their aircraft both in terms of equipment and in terms of armament. In the near future, their combat capabilities will increase significantly, which will allow them to remain in service for many years to come.


I would particularly like to note the French designers who managed to create a really good universal aircraft for both the Air Force and the Navy, whose requirements for combat vehicles are contradictory. At the same time, it was possible to achieve a high degree of unification of structures by 80% (by BREO by 95%).

Rafale m
Rafale M on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The Swedish JAS 39C has a slightly smaller combat potential. Currently, a new version of JAS 39E with advanced capabilities is offered for export, which will be a good competition for Rafale and Eurofighter. However, this modification has lost its main trump card – a relatively low price. It has grown significantly and has come close to the cost of competitors.

It must be said that the price tag for European planes is quite high, even compared to American traditionally expensive aircraft, which is an undoubted disadvantage. Most countries will not be able to purchase 5th generation equipment because of the prohibitive cost and high operating costs. The “airpark” will mainly be multifunctional fighters of the “4” and “4” generations. Given that the arms market has serious rivals in the face of Russia and China, who offer their products at a much lower price, it will be quite difficult for Europeans to achieve significant achievements in the supply of their equipment for export.
 

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Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon : Which One Is Better (Part-3)

source: https://defenceview.in/rafale-vs-gripen-vs-eurofighter-typhoon-which-one-is-better-part-3/

View attachment 61853


Welcome to part 3 of Rafale vs Gripen vs Eurofighter Typhoon .The most “main caliber” of all three aircraft is cruise missiles (KR). Rafal and EF-2000 use the British-French KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG (British/French designation), Eurofighter and Gripen can use the Swedish-German CD KEPD-150/350 TAURUS (the Swedish Air Force has not been supplied as of 2019). The Rafal can be used specifically to disable the Apache runway with a range of up to 140 km.

Read Previous Part :

Each aircraft can carry two CRS. They are designed to destroy highly protected military installations. The characteristics of Storm Shadow/SCALP EG and KR KEPD-350 TAURUS are roughly equal. They were executed with the use of stealth technology. It should be said that the KEPD-350 is developing a whole family of KR with different combat units:

  • THE TAURUS KEPD-150 (TAURUS L) is a lightweight version with fewer fuel tanks and a lightweight BPC for lower-capacity carriers.
  • TAURUS MP (Modular Payload) is an option that allows you to install an arbitrary payload as a combat part.
  • TAURUS M is a variant with a cluster combat unit, designed to hit distributed small targets (positions of air defences, airfields, clusters of armoured vehicles, etc.).
  • TAURUS HPM (High Power Microwave) is a missile equipped with a special combat unit with a high-power microwave emitter to disable enemy information systems and energy sources.
Rafale_eurofighter_gripen


KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG.
KR Storm Shadow/SCALP EG.
KEPD-350 TAURUS cruise missiles.
2 KEPD-350 TAURUS cruise missiles.

The main means of hitting ground targets for all European vehicles are the American-made adjustable air bombs (CAA) with laser guidance weighing up to 900 kg.

To install 227, 454, 910 calibers on conventional free-to-air bombs, France has developed a modular AASM kit (similar to the American JDAM). Rafal can carry six AASM CABs and apply them for six targets at the same time. French CAB with AASM outperforms American JDAM in terms of characteristics. The range reaches up to 60 km (up to 1 meter) against 28 km at JDAM. They are capable of hitting ground targets moving at speeds of up to 80 km/h (U.S. GBU-12 – 40 km/h). A significant drawback of French products is their extremely high cost of 300,000 dollars, which is more than 10 times more expensive than American counterparts.

AASM's KAB's KAB
AASM’s KAB has three options for guidance.
six AASMs
Suspension of six AASMs on Rafale

Eurofighter’s arsenal includes Brimstone guided missiles to destroy mobile armoured targets with a range of 11-12 km. Such missiles can carry up to 18 units (at six suspension points three at each). During NATO’s military campaign against Libya in 2011, Brimstone missiles were used against tanks on the streets of Misrata. According to the pilots, this is an extremely effective weapon for use in urban environments.

Eurofighter typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon in a multi-purpose configuration with Brimstone missiles and Paveway bombs, as well as Meteor and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles.

It also has American-made CABs. When using the aircraft to directly support the troops, the “euro-fighter” will have to enter the range of the military air defence. In a similar situation, Rafal has the advantage of using AASM with a longer range.

Eurofighter and Gripen are hung from a hanging container with a Lightning II infrared front-view system, a container with a higher-performance DAMOCLES television-laser target, and sensitive elements of which allow the recognition of armoured vehicles at a distance of up to 27 km, which also increases the chances of survival of the French fighter when using precision weapons.


The arsenal of used weapons on the JAS-39C is less diverse than that of its “colleagues”. However, after the installation of the MS20 software, it was able to use small-diameter GBU-39 bombs (up to 8 pieces). The GBU-39 SBD (Small Diameter Bomb) is an American controlled high-precision air bomb with wings spread out in the air. Thus, the bomb is able to plan and its range reaches 110 km (!) when discharged from a height of 10,000 m. Its mass is only 130 kg, it has small dimensions. Thus, the problem of increasing the number of hit targets per aircraft and departure is solved. In the SBD II variant, it is capable of hitting moving mobile targets. With the use of the GBU-39, Gripen’s ability to directly support troops looks more than worthy compared to the larger European fighters.

Jas-39c
JAS 39C equipped with GBU-39 SBD, Meteor and IRIS-T.

On the JAS 39E modification, the range of weapons has increased markedly and includes KAB GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-49, GBU-22, GBU-24, GBU-53 small diameter bombs, AGM-154 tactical guided-missile systems, AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. The Swedish “baby” will thus surpass Eurofighter and Rafal in the strike capabilities.

Rafale, EF-2000 and JAS 39E aircraft can be suspended by up to four portable missiles (PKR), and two missiles can be fired on the JAS-39C. The U.S. AGM-84 Harpoon has higher range characteristics, but it should be noted that Eurofighter is unlikely to be able to use Harpoon’s maximum capabilities with its full-time detection capabilities.


Rafale_eurofighter_gripen



Among the advantages of “Rafale” is its ability to conduct intelligence. To do this, it is hung with a RECO-NG container with IR and television reconnaissance equipment, capable of operating in day and night conditions at altitudes from 60 to 15,000 m. It allows you to obtain a television image of remote ground objects with high resolution. Digital processing is used to improve image quality. Information can be transmitted to a ground station in real-time at a rate of 50 Mbps. After completing 385 reconnaissance sorties, Rafali provided about 30% of the total number of images collected by the coalition’s tactical intelligence.

THE JAS 39C can also carry the SPK 39 reconnaissance container, which includes an optoelectronic sensor and digital imaging system. The downside of SPK 39 is that it is not possible to transmit intelligence in real-time.


The cost of operation is much cheaper for the Swedish JAS 39C with a flight hour cost from $4,700 to $7,000. (according to various sources, 2012 estimate). For Rafal, this figure is between $16,700 and $18,000, while EF-2000 has about $18,000. Interesting reports of the German press about the problems with the operation of their fighters. According to Deutsche Welle, with reference to Spiegel Online, the operation of combat vehicles is much more expensive than the planned level. The figure of 80,000 is named. Euro (!) for the cost of one euro-hour Eurofighter in 2013.

Summing up, I would like to say that all three fighters have a high combat potential, are equipped with modern avionics and weapons, are able to perform a wide range of tasks. Everyone has their own peculiarities, but in the complex of combat characteristics they are about equal and it is difficult to give anyone a clear preference. Developers are constantly improving their aircraft both in terms of equipment and in terms of armament. In the near future, their combat capabilities will increase significantly, which will allow them to remain in service for many years to come.


I would particularly like to note the French designers who managed to create a really good universal aircraft for both the Air Force and the Navy, whose requirements for combat vehicles are contradictory. At the same time, it was possible to achieve a high degree of unification of structures by 80% (by BREO by 95%).

Rafale m
Rafale M on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The Swedish JAS 39C has a slightly smaller combat potential. Currently, a new version of JAS 39E with advanced capabilities is offered for export, which will be a good competition for Rafale and Eurofighter. However, this modification has lost its main trump card – a relatively low price. It has grown significantly and has come close to the cost of competitors.

It must be said that the price tag for European planes is quite high, even compared to American traditionally expensive aircraft, which is an undoubted disadvantage. Most countries will not be able to purchase 5th generation equipment because of the prohibitive cost and high operating costs. The “airpark” will mainly be multifunctional fighters of the “4” and “4” generations. Given that the arms market has serious rivals in the face of Russia and China, who offer their products at a much lower price, it will be quite difficult for Europeans to achieve significant achievements in the supply of their equipment for export.
This is a far too old comparison, and with a lot of errors :

- Magic 2 missile (and not "Majik"...) is no more used on Rafale since 2006 and probably before (2002 ?).
- The agility of EF is better at high speed, but inferior in subsonic speed. It is the retex of all Rafale vs EF trainings.
- I highly doubt the max speed of Gripen E is superior to EF2000 one !
- The range of EF < range of Rafale in all missions.
- no mention of the AESA radar of Rafale (ie the comparison is against planes in a before 2012 config...)
- AMRAAM and Meteor are not limited to 11 or 12G !
- No 3000 liters external tanks on Rafale.

etc....
 

FOXBAT ALOK

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This is a far too old comparison, and with a lot of errors :

- Magic 2 missile (and not "Majik"...) is no more used on Rafale since 2006 and probably before (2002 ?).
- The agility of EF is better at high speed, but inferior in subsonic speed. It is the retex of all Rafale vs EF trainings.
- I highly doubt the max speed of Gripen E is superior to EF2000 one !
- The range of EF < range of Rafale in all missions.
- no mention of the AESA radar of Rafale (ie the comparison is against planes in a before 2012 config...)
- AMRAAM and Meteor are not limited to 11 or 12G !
- No 3000 liters external tanks on Rafale.

etc....
Thanx for your correction and feed back I will update soon
 

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