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  • FoxThree_N°14 V6 7/12/09 17:22 Page 2

  • OMNIROLE

    D a s s a u l t A v i a t i o n • S n e c m a • T h a l e s

    Rafale carries out different complex combat assignments simultaneously. This makes it different from so-called “multirole” or “swing-role” aircraft. Higher systems integration, advanceddata fusion, and inherent low observability all make Rafale the first true omnirole fighter. Able to fight how you want, when you want, where you want. Rafale. The OMNIROLE fighter

    Summary

    Editorial

    The Rafale programme is rapidly moving

    forward with new variants of the avionics

    and of the M88-2 engine being introduced

    to satisfy the most stringent requirements.

    At the same time, the range of weapons

    and of external targeting and reconnaissance

    pods the omnirole fighter can carry is being

    considerably expanded. Dassault, Snecma

    and Thales are always keen to develop

    close ties with the customer, and acquiring

    the Rafale is a strong commitment towards

    autonomy and independence.

    Enjoy!

    p.4/5 p.6/9

    Rafale hot weather trials

    M88: more thrustthan enough

    p.13/16

    Nowhere to hide

    p.17/19

    Global reach

    Photos : DASSAULT AVIATION - S. RANDÉ, V. ALMANSA, A. PARINGAUX, F. ROBINEAU, K. TOKUNAGA, H.P. GROLLEAU / SIRPA AIR - A. JEULAND / Snecma - Eric DrouinTHALES / Airbus Military. Print: Imprimerie Moutot 2009. This document is not contractual and cannot engage the responsability of the industrial partners in any matter. Dassault Aviationand the industrial partners reserve the right to modify any here in indicated characteristics without prior notice.

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:25 Page 3

  • The Rafale was conceived as a swing-role fighter capableof carrying out an extremely wide range of missions. As aresult, the M88 engine had to comply with stringent require-ments: it had to be compact and was designed to excel atlow and high levels. Moreover, engine response to pilot throttlemovements had to be instantaneous. “The M88 is an inno-vative powerplant with a very high thrust to weight ratio,

    an extremely low fuel consumption in all flight regimes,and a very long life, explains Michel Caunes, SnecmaM88 programme Director.As of October 2009, 75 productionRafales powered by M88 engines had been delivered anddevelopment and production engines had logged morethan 100,000 functioning hours.”

    M88: MORE THRUST THAN ENOUGH

    FOXTHREE 54 FOXTHREE

    Snecma (a SAFRAN Group company) is currently working on a more powerful variantof the acclaimed M88-2 turbofan, a state-of-the-art engine which powers the Rafale omnirole fighter.

    High level of performance

    To provide the required amountof thrust while keeping fuelconsumption within given limits,Snecma engineers had to comeup with innovative solutions toensure that performance levelscomplied with the extremelydemanding French power anddu rab i l i t y r equ i r emen t s .Consequen t ly, the M88-2

    i n c o r p o r a t e s a d v a n c e d technologies such as integrally-b laded compressor disks, called ‘blisks’, low-pollutioncombus tor, s ing le -c r ys ta l high-pressure turbine blades,ceramic coatings, revolutionarypowder metallurgy disks, andc o m p o s i t e m a t e r i a l s .Additionally, the M88 has beenoptimised so that i ts smal linfrared signature does notcompromise the Rafale’s overallIR signature, and its non-pol-luting, smoke-free emissionsmake the aircraft more difficultto detect visually than olderdesigns.The M88-2 powerplant is ratedat 10,971 lb dry and 16,620lb with afterburner. It is equippedwith a fully-redundant SnecmaFADEC (Full Authority Digital

    Engine Control) which allowsit to accelerate from idle to fullafterburner in less than three seconds. Thanks to the FADEC,the M88-2 engines give theRafale stunning performance:carefree engine handling allowsthe throttle to be slammed fromcombat power to idle and backt o c o m b a t p o w e r a g a i n a n y w h e r e i n t h e f l i g h t envelope. The compressoru t i l i ses a th ree s tage low pressure fan, and a six stagehigh pressure compressor. Peakengine temperature is 1,850 K(1,577 °C) with a pressureratio of 24.5:1, and, at max-imum dry power, specific fuelconsumption is in the order of0.8 kg/daN.h, increasing to1.7 kg/daN.h with afterburner.

    Modular engine

    Reducing the costs of owner-ship and improving perform-a n c e h a v e a l w a y s b e e nobvious targets for Snecmaa n d t h e M 8 8 h a s b e e nde s i g ned t o a c h i e v e t h eoptimum combination of oper-ational readiness and relia-bility. To facilitate rapid repairand maintenance in harsh con-ditions and minimise sparesholdings, the engine is dividedi n t o 2 1 m o d u l e s , i n t e r -changeable without a needfor balancing and re-calibra-tion. Some of these modulescan even be changed withouttaking the engine out of theRafale airframe, and a M88can be removed and replacedin under an hour. Even more sig-nificant is the fact that, aftermaintenance, there is no needto check the turbofan in a testbench before it is installedback on the aircraft. The M88

    is the only engine of its kindthat can be returned to serviceafter changing modules withoutrequiring a new ground accept-ance test – all what it needs isa simple leak test. As a directconsequence, the French AirForce has decided not to pro-

    cure any dedicated test benchfor the M88. Since enteringservice, the M88-2 has under-gone a number of improve-ments and M88-2 Stage 4engines are currently beingdelivered.

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:25 Page 5

  • M88 ECO and TCOtechnology programs

    The M88 was designed as atotally modular engine with alot of built-in growth potential.In the last couple of years,Snecma has been extremelyactive, testing new hardwareto increase engine life, reducecosts and demonstrate thathigher thrust levels could beachieved.From 2003 to 2007, duringthe M88 ECO programme,Snecma engineers tested newtechnologies to demonstratethat they could increase evenfurther the life of some com-

    ponents to diminish operatingcosts. In all, more than 4,000Total Accumulated Cycles(TACs) were logged by the testengine during endurance trials.The engine was also rated upto 20,000 pounds of thrust todemonstrate that this level ofpower could be achieved witha limited amount of modifi-cations.Launched in 2008, the M88TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)programme was initiated tofurther improve engine dura-bility and bring support costsdown. Capitalising on the ECOproject, Snecma was able toupgrade the high-pressure

    compressor and the high-pres-sure turbine of the M88-2:cooling is ameliorated andstronger components havebeen introduced, boostingdurability by up to 50%. Lifeexpectancy between overhaulh a s b e e n c o n s i d e r a b l yexpanded for a number ofmodules, helping further mini-mise the impact of plannedmaintenance on engine avai-lability. The First Engine To Test(FETT) ran for the first time inSeptember 2009 and the firstTCO pack for M88 engineswill be delivered to the FrenchArmed Forces in 2011.

    Uprated engine

    For Air Arms requiring morepower for enhanced combatagility and improved perfor-mance in very hot weather,Snecma is considering thedevelopment of a variant ofthe M88 which will be rated at20,000 lb with afterburner. The staged approach has hada v e r y g o o d i m p a c t o n commonality between variants:“since the M88 programmewas launched, one of our objectives was to regularlyintroduce new technologiesthat could reduce the engine’soperating costs, increase itsdispatch reliability and increasei ts thrus t , explains Michel

    Caunes. The successive M88ECO and TCO technology programs al low us to pro-gressively reduce risks andlimit associated costs. We havemanaged to retain a very highd e g r e e o f c o m m o n a l i t y between the M88-2 TCO andthe uprated engine. Comparedwi th t he M88 -2 TCO, theuprated turbofan will requireless than 20% new par t s , including a redesigned low-pressure compressor for ahigher airflow. In fact, we willhave to alter only two of the21 modules. This is quite anachievement which will enableu s t o k e e p c o s t s w i t h i n acceptable limits. The M88-2and the new engine will remain

    fully interchangeable, but theintroduction of the new typewill impose the adoption ofslightly enlarged air-intakesto allow for the higher airflow.”With the new uprated engine,the Rafale omnirole fighter willprove even more competitivein terms of thrust-to-weight ratioat combat weight. The fighterwi l l be ab le to take o f f a tmaximum weight in a veryshort distance, even in the mostdemanding weather condi-tions, at high altitude, in theheat of the desert. Climb rate,acceleration, sustained turnra te wi l l a l l be mass ive lyimproved, bringing the Rafale’sc o m b a t e f f e c t i v e n e s s t o unprecedented levels.

    6 FOXTHREE

    M88: MORE THRUST THAN ENOUGH

    FOXTHREE 7

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  • FOXTHREE 1110 FOXTHREE

    For the Rafale omnirole fighter, Thales hasprovided the most advanced sensors and integrated avionics suite ever designed fora combat aircraft. It comprises the RBE2electronic scanning radar, the Front SectorOptronics, the Spectra electronic warfaresuite, the Damocles targeting pod and the AREOS(1) reconna issance system, all supplied by Thales.

    NOWHERE TO HIDE

    All the Rafale’s sensors are closely integrated and all datais automatically fused to massively reduce pilot workload andsignificantly increase tactical effectiveness. “Our goal wasto avoid saturating the pilot, explains Jean-Noël Stock,Thales Rafale Programme Director. This smart data fusion signi-ficantly increases mission success rates through enhancedcrew awareness and improved aircraft survivability. This isa crucial advantage over our competitors.”

    From the outset, the French Armed Forces have adopted aninnovative electronic scanning radar for the Rafale fighter.Electronic scanning radars have numerous advantagesover legacy mechanically steered types: they scan the skymuch more quickly, they allow targets to be tracked outsidethe selected search volume and their radar modes can beinterleaved.The first Rafales were all fitted with a passive antenna andThales and the French Military are now switching to activeelectronic scanning array technology. “In the late nineties,we thought there were some risks involved going straightto the AESA and this is why we chose the PESA(3) for thefirst Rafale standards, stresses Jean-Noël Stock. The activearray is made up of solid-state GaAs transmit/receivemodules which can steer and reposition the radar beam atvery high speed in any direction. The new radar variant alsoincorporates a new data processing unit and a streng-thened structure to cope with the higher weight of the AESA.In terms of performance, detection range is increased by

    The Rafale is the only fighter equipped with an integratedsystem optimised for target identification and battle damageassessment at stand-off distances. The Front Sector Optronicsis composed of a powerful TV sensor to identify targets andto determine the number of hostile aircraft within an incomingraid, and of an eyesafe laser rangefinder for telemetry.When used in conjunction with the long range Mica IR mis-sile, the FSO allows entirely passive interceptions to be car-ried out without radar emissions. In the air-to-ground mode,the FSO is used to accurately determine target coordinates

    before attacking with precision weapons such as the AASM(Air-to-Surface Modular Armament) or LGBs (Laser GuidedBombs). A new generation infrared sensor for passive searchand track of airborne targets and for night identificationcould be integrated into the FSO at a later stage. Such aninfrared sensor operating in the 8 to 12 µm band has beenfielded in the French Air Force F2 Standard Rafales, and anupdated variant working in the 3 to 5 µm band is beingstudied for the future growth of the FSO. The FSO has beenin service since 2005 and is now combat proven.

    considerably more than 50% and the radar can look in manydirections at the same time, offering significantly enhancedtracking capabilities. Angular coverage in azimuth is improvedand very small targets with lower radar cross section such ascruise missiles could also be detected. Furthermore, AESAradars are inherently more reliable and cheaper to main-tain.”The AESA demonstrator first flew in 2002 and, since then,hundreds of flight hours have been logged to support thedevelopment effort. On top of that, the AESA has been suc-cessfully evaluated by a number of potential customers. AEuropean production line for T/R modules has been set upand, at the time of writing, six development AESAs had beendelivered and three pre-series AESAs were in production, withfirst deliveries to Dassault Aviation planned for 2011.

    Passive interception

    AESA(2)

    MULTI-SENSOR

    DATA FUSION

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:25 Page 11

  • For both strategic and tactical reconnaissance missions, theFrench Armed Forces have adopted the Thales System RecoNG (new generation tactical reconnaissance system) for theRafale. “This high-tech, day and night equipment can beused in a wide range of scenarios, from stand-off distancesat very high altitude down to very high speed and extremelylow- level , enthuses Jean-Noël Stock. To shor ten the intelligence gathering cycle and accelerate the tempo ofoperation, the pod is fitted with a datalink which allows highresolution images to be transmitted back to the militarydeciders in real time.” Since July 2009, the System RecoNG has been undergoing qualification testing / operationalevaluation at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, with entry into serviceplanned for early 2010. This very advanced system is now offeredon the export market under the AREOS designation.

    AREOS

    FOXTHREE 1312 FOXTHREE

    The Spectra(4) multi-spectral, totally integrated electronicwarfare suite is designed to ensure efficient electroma-gnetic detection, laser warning, missile approach war-ning using passive IR detection technology, jamming andchaff/flare dispensing. Three-dimension direction-findingaccuracy is excellent, and the time taken for signal iden-tification is extremely short. Its very high processing power

    gives outstanding detection and omni-directional jammingperformance through active antennas, optimising theresponse to match the threat, even in a multi-threat environment.The location and types of systems detected by Spectra canbe recorded for later analysis, giving Rafale operators asubstantial built-in ELINT capability.

    (1) AREOS: Airborne REconnaissance and Observation System(2) AESA: Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar(3) PESA: Passive Electronically Scanned Array Radar(4) SPECTRA: Self-Protection Equipment Countering Threats of Rafale Aircraft

    SPECTRA

    In modern warfare, the ability to detect, localise, identifyand engage ground targets at stand-off distances is a realnecessity. This is why the Rafale is now being fitted with theThales Damocles targeting pod. The new infrared (3rdgeneration staring array detector) and laser technologieschosen for the Damocles provide extended detection andrecognition ranges, permitting laser-guided armament tobe delivered at substantially greater ranges from higher alti-tudes, considerably reducing the aircraft’s vulnerability to

    short/medium-range air-defence systems.In mid-2009, the French MoD issued a contract for theMastrid (Multi-context Airborne System for Target Recognitionand IDentification) demonstrator to ensure that new capa-bilities will be available for the Damocles XF (eXtendedFeatures) from 2012. With the Mastrid project, a new high-definition TV sensor optimised for short-range engagementand a new software to boost the resolution of the IR sensorwill be developed and test flown.

    With such a large suite of advanced sensors and a directaccess to datalink networks, the Rafale is a key contributorto the common tactical air picture. The ongoing improve-

    ments to its sensor suite will further increase the combateffectiveness of an already revolutionary aircraft

    Damocles

    NOWHERE TO HIDE

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:26 Page 13

  • FOXTHREE 1514 FOXTHREE

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  • FOXTHREE 1716 FOXTHREE

    With its outstanding endurance, its in-flight refuelling capability andits very long-range stand-off weapons, the Rafale omnirole fighter isextremely well equipped to strike distant, well-defended, deeply buriedhardened targets.

    GLOBAL REACH

    The Rafale has been designed as a very compact, high-tech fighter capable of carrying a hugeexternal load of fuel tanks and missiles. In fact, it can carry more than 15,000 kg of keroseneand weapons, quite an accomplishmentor an aircraft weighing less than 10 tonnes empty.

    Scalp

    For long-range attacks of high-value, heavily defended tar-gets, the French Armed Forceshave selected the Scalp cruisemissile of the MBDA Scalp /Apache / Storm Shadow /Black Shaheen family. TheRafale’s normal combat loadis composed of two Scalps,four Mica air-to-air missilesand three 2,000-li tre drop

    t a n k s . T h e S c a l p c a n b ereleased at very low level, w i t h t h e Ra f a l e f l y i ng i n terrain-following mode to avoiddetection. With its fuel-effi-cient Microturbo engine, this‘intelligent’, stealth weaponcan navigate autonomouslyat high subsonic speed towardsthe target which will be clearlyiden t i f i ed by i t s onboardinfrared sensor: automatictarget recognition algorithms

    compare the actual scene withthe memorised scene, identifythe designated target, andaccurately select the impactpoint in order to hit with veryhigh precision. To maximiseits military effect, the Scalp isf i t t e d w i t h a r ema r kab l ypower f u l B roach tandem warhead which can defeatheavily protected bunkers.

    Buddy-buddy tankers

    With their 4,700 kg of internalfuel, single-seat Rafales boastan impressive range which canbe massively extended by upto five external drop tanks (three2,000-litre and two 1,250-litrefue l tanks ) under f i ve wet hardpoints, four under thewings and one under the fuse-lage. Range can be fur therincreased thanks to air-to-airrefuelling and the Rafale canrefuel from a wide range oftankers: A330 MRTT, Boeing707, Il -78 Midas, KC-135, KC-130, VC-10… It can also bef i t ted wi th a buddy-buddy r e f ue l l i ng pod unde r t h e centreline pylon, and FrenchNavy Rafales routinely refillthe tanks of other Rafales and

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:26 Page 17

  • FOXTHREE 1918 FOXTHREE

    Méteor

    For air-defence / air-superioritymissions, the Rafale is alreadyequipped with the outstandingMica air-to-air missile capableof performing both short-ranged o g f i g h t c o m b a t s a n d long-range interceptions. Forengagements at even longerdistances, the Rafale will soonbe a rmed wi th t he MBDAMeteor air-to-air missile. Thenew, ramjet-propelled Meteor

    will offer a no-escape zoneseveral t imes greater than that of today’s missiles. Thisextremely fast missile - Mach4+ - i s des igned to re ta in sufficient energy at end gameto defeat hard manoeuvring targets. When fi t ted to theR a f a l e , t h e n e w M e t e o r missile will create a formidablecombina t ion o f weapon/sensor/airframe. The FrenchMinistry of Defence has recentlyreaffirmed its support to theprogramme, and it has beenofficially announced that afirst batch of 200 Meteors will be ordered for the Rafale

    a s pa r t o f 2010 de f ence procurement budget.On top of the Scalp, the AASM,the Mica IR/RF, the Meteorand its internal 30 mm gun,the Rafale is cleared to carrythe AM39 Exocet antiship mis-sile and the GBU-12/22/24laser guided bombs, and theFrench Armed Forces areseriously considering the adop-tion of rockets in the near future.With such a wide range ofweapons, the Rafale has nowbecome the most power fulstrike fighter ever designed,a tool that will deter aggression.

    Combat-proven AASM

    For simultaneous attacks ofmultiple targets, the Rafalecan ripple fire up to six AASM(Armement Air-Sol Modulaire,Modu l a r, A i r - t o - S u r f a c eArmament) stand-off precisionweapons in one pass to strikesix different impact points with

    clinical precision. Designedby Sagem, the AASM is com-posed of a GPS / INS / IRimager guidance kit at thefront, a bomb body (generalpurpose or penetration) in thecentre, and a rocket motor att h e r e a r . T h e e x t r e m e l yad van ced AASM can bereleased from very high or

    very low levels, and its powerfulcontrols allow it to manoeuvreaggressively to engage dis-tant, off-boresight targets. Upto six AASMs can be carriedby a single Rafale, plus fourMica air-to-air missiles andthree 2,000-litre drop tanks.

    of Super Etendard fighters,extending their reach from theCharles de Gaulle carrier.Buddy-buddy tankers couldalso prove really useful in ahigh threat environment, theirsix Mica air-to-air missiles givingthem considerable firepower forself-defence (and even to escorta strike package).

    GLOBAL REACH

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 14/12/09 10:26 Page 19

  • INDEPENDENCE

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    D a s s a u l t A v i a t i o n • S n e c m a • T h a l e s

    When a single country makes your aircraft from nose to tail, you know exactly whatyou’re getting into. Rafale is not subject to multinational controls. It also offers unrestricted access to key weapon systems technologies, spare parts, and know-how.Rafale offers superior operational effectiveness and failsafe worldwide support, yet isn’tdelivered wrapped in red tape. Or with strings attached. Rafale. The OMNIROLE fighter

    FoxThree_N°14 V6 7/12/09 17:22 Page 1