Rafale Special Jul 2017 Airforce Monthly

Rafale
DASSAULT
THE AIRCRAFT • THE OPERATIONS • THE WEAPONS
www.airforcesmonthly.com
F4 Standard Rafale French Air Force at French Navy Rafale

and the future Mont-de-Marsan combat operations
Rafale
Rafale Introduction
02 DASSAULT RAFALE www.airforcesmonthly.com

Low and fast – a single-seat Rafale C races into
action armed with a mixed air-to-air and air-to-
ground load-out of infrared-guided Mica AAMs and
Scalp stealth cruise missiles.
Dassault Aviation/Alexandre Paringaux
Front and back cover: A Dassault Rafale C breaks for

the camera during Exercise Atlantic Trident in April.
Jamie Hunter
Omni-role advances
Designed as a state-of-the-art warplane and Navy. Most recently, Rafale Ms
capable of carrying out the entire flying from the deck of the aircraft
spectrum of combat missions, the carrier Charles de Gaulle have contributed
Dassault Aviation Rafale omni-role fighter to the global fight against terrorism
has matured into a successful combat in the Arromanches III mission.
tool that has pushed the French Air The final part of AFM’s exclusive
Force (Armée de l’Air) and French Navy Dassault Rafale supplement brings a
(Marine Nationale) into the digital age. report on the work of the 30e Escadre
While the aircraft has notched up at Mont-de-Marsan. This unit provides
important export orders from Egypt, a range of capabilities for the French
Qatar and India, development of the Air Force, including operational
aircraft has continued, as underlined by evaluation, air defence/air superiority,
the latest Standard F4 variant scheduled conventional strike and pre-strategic
to enter service in 2025. Standard F4 and tactical reconnaissance.
will bring a host of new capabilities. A
new tactical datalink, and new GaN
technology for the active electronically
scanned array (AESA) radar and jammers
are just some of the promised advances. Thomas Newdick
The Rafale has also proven itself in Email at:
combat with both the French Air Force edafm@keypublishing.com
www.airforcesmonthly.com DASSAULT RAFALE 03

Rafale Latest Standards
A pair of Rafales at high altitude.

The wingman is fitted with a TALIOS
targeting pod under the right forward
fuselage hardpoint while the lead
carries the Damocles pod in the same
position. All photos DGA
FUTURE
RAFALE
Dassault Aviation and the French Defence Procurement Agency have launched development of
Standard F4, the next variant of the Rafale omni-role fighter that will enter service in 2025.
04 DASSAULT RAFALE
Henri-Pierre Grolleau has the story.
www.airforcesmonthly.com
E
range of threats, including fast jets, airborne
early warning and control aircraft, tankers,
helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and
even cruise missiles. As specified by the
French Ministry of Defence (MoD), Rafales will
carry two Meteors under their rear fuselage
E
hardpoints, although export customers will
2018, with service entry in early 2019. “F3R have the option of doubling that number to
A
LL ARMÉE de l’Air (French Air Force) trials have proved completely successful,” four, using existing wing pylons. Meteors
and Marine Nationale (French Navy) explained the general (name withheld by will be used alongside Micas, and upgraded
Rafale B, C and M variants in the request) in charge of the Rafale programme Mica NG missiles, for the foreseeable future.
inventory have now been brought up to within the Direction Générale de l’Armement In all, five Meteor integration test firings
increment F3.4+ standard. Dassault Aviation, (DGA, Defence Procurement Agency). were performed to evaluate the Rafale’s
its industrial partners and the French “Testing is progressing at an extremely fire-control system and the missile itself in
Armed Forces are now busy preparing for fast pace and the new standard will be realistic conditions. “The last test firing was
entry into service of the Standard F3R. This delivered on time and on budget.” completed on April 6, 2017 out of Cazaux
encompasses a range of new systems, air base, in the southwest of France,”
including the Thales TALIOS (Targeting Meteor missile continued the programme director.
Long-range Identification Optronic System) The introduction of the Meteor ramjet- “The scenario of the test was particularly
targeting pod, the MBDA Meteor beyond- propelled BVRAAM will be one of the key demanding and technically challenging: the
visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), features of the Standard F3R, a major step Meteor was fired at an extremely distant
a Mode 5 IFF interrogator, a Mode S forward that will enable Rafale aircrews to target but, during its time of flight, it was
transponder, and numerous improvements prevail over the battlefield, especially when re-targeted at a pop-up threat, scoring a
to existing systems such as the RBE2 active used in conjunction with the fighter’s AESA direct hit. This unique capability has been
electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, radar. This new ramjet-propelled missile made possible by the superb detection
the Spectra electronic warfare/self-defence has been ordered to supplement the current range of the AESA radar and by the Meteor
suite and the Link 16 tactical data link. Mica EM/IR missile. It is designed to engage itself, with its huge interception volumes.
Qualification of F3R is expected in late targets at extended ranges and to defeat a “The ability to re-target the Meteor using

the Rafale’s fighter-to-missile data link was
successfully demonstrated and the target
was destroyed by a direct hit even though
the missile’s warhead had been replaced by
telemetry equipment: undisputable proof of
the quality of the guidance provided by the
fighter and of the precision of the missile.”
The next Meteor test firing will be part of the
F3R operational evaluation to be conducted
in early 2019 by a joint air force/navy team.
New targeting pod A Meteor missile is launched from the rear right
The operational limitations of the Damocles fuselage hardpoint of Rafale B301 during the
targeting pod currently in service on Rafale qualification trial held in April 2017.
and Mirage 2000D strike fighters have
long been identified. This is the reason replace Atlis pods that were withdrawn from timeframe,” explained the programme
why, in 2012, the DGA and Thales signed use in July 2016 when the last Super Étendard director. “The retrofit is simple and quick
a contract for the development of the Modernisé was sent to the boneyard. because it mainly involves uploading new
TALIOS new-generation targeting pod. Upgrades to the image processing unit have software. The French MoD is currently looking
Compared with the current Damocles, the been implemented to increase the range at various options for a fifth production
TALIOS is fitted with a TV channel and with and the resolution of the older Damocles, tranche, which could be ordered in 2020
a new infrared sensor, addressing a number but I have to admit that the introduction of for an as-yet decided number of aircraft.”
of shortfalls highlighted during combat the TALIOS comes at a very relevant time.”
operations in Afghanistan, Mali and the Like the Damocles, the TALIOS will F4 Standard
Middle East. Initial development trials were be mounted under the Rafale’s right As part of a spiral development, the MoD and
conducted using a DGA Essais en Vol (DGA EV, forward-fuselage hardpoint, offering Dassault Aviation recently announced the
Flight Test Centre) Mirage 2000D at Cazaux. an excellent field of regard, even when launch of Standard F4, the next major step
According to the programme director: “Flight weapons and external fuel tanks are for the Rafale programme. The Rafale was
testing of the TALIOS has so far proven highly carried beneath the wing pylons. conceived from the outset with ‘evolutivity’
successful. Development of the TALIOS and in mind, and its weapon system is designed
of its subsystems by the industry ran on Deliveries in such a way as to facilitate upgrades. The
time, strictly adhering to the terms of the The French MoD has ordered 180 Rafales, Standard F4 development strategy is based
contract, and initial testing carried out by divided into four tranches of 13, 48, 59 and on four pillars that cover interconnectivity,
the DGA proved entirely satisfactory. The 60 airframes. Exports amount to a further combat engagement/sensors, armament
TV and IR sensors both work superbly well, 84 aircraft for Egypt (24), Qatar (24) and India upgrades, and support/availability.
offering unmatched image quality. I believe (36), bringing total firm orders to 264 fighters. Formal development of the new Standard
that we have exceeded the performance of At the time of writing the French Armed F4 will begin in 2018, but risk-reduction
foreign pods in terms of resolution and image Forces had accepted into service a total of studies will be launched this year.
sharpness. We have also demonstrated that 148 Rafales, including 48 Rafale C single- “Standard F4 will be even more ambitious
extraction of co-ordinates was particularly seaters and 54 Rafale B two-seaters for the than F3R,” explained the programme director.
accurate. Since early 2017, flight-testing Armée de l’Air and 46 Rafale M naval single- “While F3R is mainly restricted to software
has begun on the Rafale and development seaters for the Marine Nationale. Another upgrades, new hardware will be required for
is expected to four aircraft will be delivered to the French the far-reaching F4, even though the airframe
be completed Air Force in 2017 (one) and 2018 (three), will remain unchanged. In practice, F4 will
in mid-2017. leaving all other production slots for export be split into F4.1, for older, in-service aircraft,
“In all, 20 TALIOS customers. There will then be a three-year and F4.2, for new-build airframes. F4.1 will
pods have been gap in deliveries to France and, between be limited to a number of improvements only
ordered, and approval 2021 and 2023, the last 28 Rafales from the in order to avoid complex hardware changes,
for an additional batch fourth production tranche will be produced but F4.1 will accept the new Rafale weapons
of 25 has been granted, for the French Air Force and Navy. now being developed. F4.2 will include the
including a number “All in-service aircraft will be upgraded whole package of upgrades for the radar,
for the French Navy to to F3R Standard within a short the electronic warfare suite, the Front Sector

Optronics and the cockpit to accommodate
a helmet-mounted display (HMD).
“All Tranche 4 aircraft – the 28 airframes
to be delivered in 2021-23, and all Tranche
5 Rafales will be delivered as F4.2 aircraft.
Standard F4 development will take about
six years, with service entry due in 2025,
but some systems will find their way
into the inventory earlier, as soon as
they are ready, using a building-block
approach thanks to software upgrades.”
Communications advances
With the advent of the F4 Standard, the
Rafale will be equipped with the new
Thales Contact software radios that Above: The quality of the image provided by the TALIOS pod is said to be exceptional, much better than
will be widely fielded across the French that of the Damocles, especially in daylight thanks to the adoption of a powerful TV sensor. Mounting the
pod on the right forward-fuselage hardpoint ensures an excellent field of regard.
Armed Forces in the next couple of
years. These new-generation radios (satcom) system into the Rafale. “This jammer, and decoy dispensers that can
will remain fully compatible with legacy system will not be kept on the Rafale,” the launch a range of flares and chaff.
radio waves and should be tested programme director added. “The future Over the coming months, Spectra will
on the Rafale as early as 2020. military satcom will be encrypted, fully be improved, with bandwidth extensions
The Rafale will also be fitted with a secure and impossible to intercept thanks for the detectors and jammers to cover
new point-to-point, directional, discreet, to a military-grade antenna and a hardened lower and higher frequency bands, thus
high-speed fighter data link to be used modem. It will enable the Rafale to activate providing an instantaneous reaction
exclusively for communications and data a communication relay mode between against any type of pop-up threat.
exchange within a Rafale patrol. This will fighters and troops on the ground on one “Our objective here is to obtain extremely
use a new three-dimensional waveform side, and higher echelons on the other.” accurate RF emitter geolocation and 3D
(FO3D, or Forme d’Onde 3 Dimensions) tracking, including of airborne radars,” said
generated by digital signal processing Radar and Spectra upgrades the programme director. “The capabilities
using dedicated antennas for the required The current Thales RBE2 AESA radar of a single Rafale to locate and track a threat
bandwidths and the expected data flow. will be further improved. It will benefit without resorting to traditional, but time-
This new fighter data link will supplement from the introduction of two new air-to- consuming, methods of triangulation or of
– and not replace – the current Link 16. surface modes: a ground moving target bearing measurements along the aircraft’s
Accordingly, the Rafale’s core avionics indicator (GMTI), to detect and track moving flight path will be significantly improved. It
system will have to be modified to targets over land, and a UHR (ultra high is a very important step forward, and the
accommodate the two data link systems resolution) mode, to replace the current recent progresses made by Spectra will boost
that will operate alongside each other HR functionality for synthetic aperture the capabilities of the Rafale in that field.”
(although they will not be linked). radar (SAR) imagery, offering superior radar
The architecture of the internal network image quality at very long distances. The Advanced weaponry
will have to be modified for it to become ability to interleave radar modes will be New variants of current weapons will be
even more resistant to cyber attack. The enhanced, thus helping provide aircrews modernised for the updated Rafale, including
CAPOEIRA (Connectivité Améliorée Pour with even better situational awareness. the Scalp cruise missile, the Mica air-to-
les Evolutions du Rafale, or improved The Spectra electronic warfare/self- air missile and the Hammer (Highly Agile
connectivity for the Rafale’s future variants) protection suite produced by Thales and Modular Munition Extended Range) precision
research programme has recently been MBDA is fully integrated. It is composed weapon. The new weapons will be introduced
launched to help determine what sort of of a wide range of systems: a Détecteur incrementally, through software upgrades.
architecture will be required for a future, d’Alerte Radar (DAR, or radar warning In February 2017 it was announced
totally secure navigation and attack system. receiver), a Détecteur d’Alerte Laser (DAL, that the British and the French defence
In 2015, as part of an urgent operational or laser warner), a Détecteur de Départ ministries had signed contracts with MBDA
requirement, the French Air Warfare Centre Missile (DDM or DDM NG, or missile to upgrade the remaining Scalp/Storm
integrated a satellite communication launch detector), a high-power radar Shadow stealth cruise missiles in service
Research programmes
Two-seat Rafale B301 taxies out with a TALIOS
targeting pod under the right air intake. B301 is
an instrumented test aircraft only used for trials.
The DGA oversees a number of research “The CARAA demonstrator first flew in late
programmes aimed at promoting advanced 2015. It is composed of numerous receptors,
technologies for the Rafale in the field of enabling the creation of radar lobes optimised
sensors, especially for the RBE2 radar, as the by advanced calculation techniques to cancel
Rafale Programme Director explained. jamming in many directions simultaneously.
“We will soon launch the AESA NG “The first flight of the MELBAA demonstrator
programme, which will supplement the MFA is expected in late 2017. The trials will
[Multi-Function Array], CARAA [Capacités focus on dedicated types of targets: slow-
Accrues pour le Radar RBE2 à Antenne Active, movers, helicopters, fighters hiding in the
enhanced capabilities for the active RBE2 Doppler beam, stealth targets etc. Further
radar] and MELBAA [Modes et Exploitation developments will include interleaved modes
Large Bande pour l’Antenne Active, wide-band that will be further refined thanks to the
operating modes for the active array] projects appearance of a new generation of calculators
in order to help mature technologies to be powerful enough to provide the processing
produced from 2025 for Standard F4.2. power required to exploit these modes fully.”

Rafale B301 takes off from Cazaux. It is fitted with

a single Meteor test round under the fuselage
and a Mica EM missile under the wing.
The difference in size between the
Mica and the Meteor is noteworthy.
on both sides of the Channel. Under the engagements during close attack capabilities will
deal, MBDA will refurbish the missiles and air support missions. In become a reality. The
carry out a limited upgrade to sustain the any case, we will retain the programme director
weapon until its planned out-of-service date capability to produce both explained: “Even though
in the early 2030s. The first refurbished variants of the Hammer, the we are entirely satisfied
Scalp missile is due to be delivered back powered variant remaining with the current RBE2 AESA
to the French Armed Forces in 2020. Scalp available for stand-off attacks radar, we are already working
cruise missiles were first fired in combat in high-threat environments. on the next generation scheduled
from Rafales during the conflict in Libya, in “Other improvements are high on the to appear on new-build aircraft in 2025.
2011. The missile has also been successfully agenda, including a data link between the “For the same volume, GaN technology
used operationally in Iraq and Syria. weapon and the Rafale, and new seekers to will offer an expanded bandwidth, more
The Mica family of AAMs, which includes engage other types of targets, including fast- radiated power and an even easier ability
the infrared-guided Mica IR and the radar- moving, highly mobile vehicles. We have to switch from one mode to another, or
guided Mica EM, will be updated to Mica launched preliminary studies to develop from one functionality to another. With
NG (New Generation) standard with, among heavier variants of the Hammer to eventually the same antenna, we will be capable of
other undisclosed systems, new seekers. The replace the current inventory of 500kg-class generating combined, interleaved radar,
MBDA Mica, which equips the Mirage 2000-5, GBU-16 Paveway II and 1,000kg-class GBU- jamming and electronic warfare modes
the Mirage 2000-9, the Rafale and upgraded 24 Paveway III laser-guided bombs. as part of an electronic attack mission.
Mirage F1s, has met with considerable “Priority is likely to be given to the 1,000kg “GaN emitters will not be restricted to the
success. Moreover, a surface-to-air version, variant. A new rear kit will probably have to radar and they will also equip the Spectra
the Vertical Launch Mica (VL Mica), has be designed, but every effort will be made suite. For example, for the antennas in
been ordered by several foreign nations. to keep changes to an absolute minimum, the wing apexes, ahead of the canard
most current components being reused, foreplanes, we could obtain a very quick
Expanded Hammer family including the seekers and guidance systems.” emission/reception cycle, either saving some
The Hammer family will be expanded, A new, dual-mode seeker was exhibited by volume or augmenting radiated power.
minimising the need to procure Paveway II/ Safran at the Paris Air Show in June 2015. On Tranche 5 Rafales, we will have at our
III and Enhanced Paveway precision-guided disposal twice the amount of transmitted
bombs from the United States. Three GaN technology power for the radar and jamming antennas.
variants of the Safran Electronics & Defense Thales and the DGA are actively preparing Thales has already produced and tested
Hammer precision weapon are in service: the future radar developments that will be in laboratories a series of GaN module
the SBU-38, with inertial/GPS guidance; the introduced on Standard F4.2, incorporating prototypes for the new radar and initial
SBU-64, with a dual-mode inertial/GPS and cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology testing results look extremely promising.
infrared seeker; and the SBU-54, with laser for the radar and jammer antennas. Thanks “Following the entry into service of the
guidance as well as the inertial/GPS kit. to additional radar apertures, detection AESA in 2013, the deliveries of the Meteor
“We need to increase our stocks of precision capabilities will be unmatched and electronic in 2018 will push the Rafale into a class of
weapons and we are committed to helping
promote and support a national weapons
industry,” the programme director stated. “A DGA support for export customers
new, simplified Hammer variant is already The DGA is actively supporting Egypt, Qatar and “The development of specific variants for our
being developed. This Block 4 variant will India, the Rafale’s first three export customers. partners goes according to the plan. The air
be fitted with a revised rear kit, without the “We provide support on a case-by-case basis, force is in charge of the training of a number
rocket motor. The wings will be retained, depending on the terms of each specific of foreign students and the DGA supports the
and its aerodynamic shape and its weight contract,” explained the Rafale Programme Armée de l’Air. I’ll give you an example: to
and balance will remain unchanged to ease Director. “Our customers seem to appreciate handle a growing number of students and of
aeromechanical integration onto the Rafale. a genuine, independent governmental Rafale training sorties and to satisfy increased
guarantee. They request complete visibility training requirements, the number of mission
Recent operational experience has proved
in all areas, for example in the field of planning aids and of simulation tools had
that the rocket motor is not always required,
airworthiness, and we assist them and to be increased and the DGA purchased the
and not always switched on in combat by
support them for their programmes. additional systems to address the needs.”
French aircrews, especially for short-range

launched by the DGA. These include
the extremely secretive DEDIRA
(Démonstrateur de Discrétion du
Rafale, Rafale discretion demonstrator),
which focuses on new and innovative
processes to improve the airframe’s low-
observable qualities against air-defence
radars and fighter air-intercept radars.
“We are currently having discussions
with the Armée de l’Air and the Marine
Nationale regarding their future operational
needs and requirements,” the programme
director confirmed. “Many options are being
scrutinised, from the development of a UCAV
to an increase in the number of Rafales.
Nothing has been decided yet. What I can
tell you is that we will not alter the Rafale’s
airframe if we do not need to and that we
will keep its proven aerodynamic shape.
“The Rafale retains a huge growth potential,
especially regarding the size of the radar
Above: With its AESA radar, Meteor and Mica missiles, powerful engines, remarkable agility and an antennas and the dimensions and weighs
advanced data-fusion system, the Standard F3R Rafale will prove to be a lethal foe in the air-to-air arena of its weapons. We might adopt radar
for years to come.
cross-section reduction kits, but without
its own – we will be the only ones in the France by SEMMB [Société d’Exploitation des radically modifying the airframe. We
world operating a fighter equipped with Matériels Martin-Baker, a 50/50 joint venture will keep all options open. For example,
an AESA and a ramjet-propelled missile – between Safran and Martin-Baker] since 2015 we are considering the possibility of
but we have to keep investing to maintain are capable of accommodating an HMD.” increasing the number of decoys carried
our leadership. This is the reason why this by the fighter. In this respect, a DIRCM
GaN technological path is so important, Long-term future [directional infrared countermeasures]
especially for the development of additional Safran Military Engines constantly innovates and turret used to generate a laser jamming
emitting panels and apertures that will further develops the M88 turbofan. The pro- signal to defeat an incoming missile
offer extended radar angular coverage. gramme director admitted: “Contrary to popular could well find its way onto the Rafale.”
“It is not just an improvement; it is a views, we are not going to create a new M88 With such a clear roadmap ahead and
real technological breakthrough in the variant rated at 9 tonnes/20,000lb of thrust, nor with the recent successes on the export
field of detection. Jamming modes will a new high-pressure core. Nevertheless, modifi- market, the Rafale’s long-term future is
not be left untouched and will push the cations to the engine calculator will help further assured. Dassault Aviation and its partners
Rafale’s electronic warfare capabilities improve component durability and engine avail- are constantly investing to make sure
to unprecedented levels thanks to the ability. M88 technology will gradually evolve their fighter remains at the forefront of
introduction of what we call ‘smart jamming’, in order to propel UCAVs [unmanned combat technology. The future upgrades to be
with a wider band coverage and GaN aerial vehicles], and the Rafale will eventually implemented on the Rafale are ambitious
emitters from 2025. These capabilities benefit from these technological advances, and far-reaching. They represent a clear
will be further expanded thanks to the but not until the advent of the MLU [midlife technological breakthrough in several
adoption of MFAs [Multi-Function Arrays].” upgrade] variant.” fields, utilising a fully mature, combat-
The Rafale’s Front Sector Optronics (FSO) Future Rafale variants will benefit from proven airframe that offers a
will be fitted with a new-generation infrared the multiple research programmes considerable growth potential.
search and track (IRST) sensor optimised
for the tracking of air targets, either alone,
or in conjunction with the RBE2 radar.
Changes in the cockpit

Although the Rafale’s man-machine interface
is lauded by pilots, its cockpit will not be
left untouched, with new, larger, lateral
touchscreens to be adopted. Because
the existing working environment is well
balanced, with ergonomics that have
proved to be highly successful, the DGA
and the industry will introduce only minor
adjustments in the cockpit’s design, as
part of an evolutionary process.
More importantly, a Helmet-Mounted
Display (HMD) will find its way onto the
Rafale, filling an operational gap: “The DGA
has formally expressed a need in order for
the industry to study our requirements.
Our specifications are fully compatible with
various systems from different providers. We
Above: A close-up of the new TALIOS targeting pod. The external shape of the TALIOS is similar to that of
have taken steps to ensure that all Mk16F the older Damocles, helping cut integration costs thanks to a significant reduction in the number of sorties
ejection seats produced under licence in needed for flight envelope expansion.

Rafale French Navy combat
A pair of Rafale M fighters

overflies the French flagship. The
‘Charles de Gaulle’ has proved
particularly reliable after teething
problems were solved, spending
more time at sea than any other
‘flat top’ in the world. Dassault
Aviation/Katsuhiko Tokunaga

Arromanches III
In late 2016 the French nuclear
carrier Charles de Gaulle deployed
off the Syrian coast for combat
operations against so-called
Islamic State as part of the global
fight against terrorism. For the
first time, her carrier air group
was mainly composed of Rafale
Ms. Henri-Pierre Grolleau tells
the story.
T
HE ARROMANCHES III mission was the
last for the Charles de Gaulle before
her entry into dry dock for a major
refit and a nuclear refuelling, which will
keep her out of action until mid-2018.
The deployment kept the French carrier
air group extremely busy. According
to open source data from the French Above: The ‘shooter’ touches the deck with his green flag, giving the signal for a cat shot for the awaiting
parliament, the air group completed 484 Rafale M31. Marine Nationale
offensive sorties, including 108 attacks, and carry out every single tasked mission. digitally annotated maps that showed points
delivered 177 bombs and cruise missiles. “Each Flottille maintained its own aircraft, of interest; and the Damocles targeting
“Without taking into account the buddy- but with some flexibility, allowing one unit to pod for target surveillance, extraction
buddy refuelling missions, we logged nearly reinforce its sister squadron with a dedicated of co-ordinates and laser spiking.
500 sorties with remarkable regularity and team of engineers, should the need arise.” “A further three, and sometimes four,
with excellent reliability,” explained Capt Alban added: “For combat missions, pilots flew Rafales were fitted with an in-flight refuelling
‘Jean’ (all surnames withheld on request), aircraft from one or the other unit, and every pod under the centreline station for buddy-
the commander of the Groupe Aérien day we provided numerous waves of bomber- buddy refuelling. We also provided Rafales
Embarqué (GAé, embarked air group). configured Rafales. Our goal was to have for intelligence-gathering missions with
“Our tasks included reconnaissance and all the aircraft in the required configuration, the Pod Reco NG reconnaissance pod.
intelligence-gathering flights, air interdiction with the correct fit for a given mission. “Typically, our working day spanned 14-plus
missions and planned raids against previously “Equipment would include the active hours between the first and the last mission
and positively identified targets – with French electronically scanned array [AESA radar]; launches. All the missions were flown as
assets only or as part of a multinational effort the Rover [Remotely Operated Video part of a wide, multinational coalition, tasking
– and close air support missions, protecting Enhanced Receiver] system to share a being provided by an allied CAOC [Combined
friendlies on the ground, in Iraq and in Syria. video stream with troops on the ground; Air Operations Centre], which was under the
“Standardisation, forged by regular the Fightacs digital kneepad to have quick operational control of the Combined Joint
participation in various NATO exercises and direct access to digital imagery and Task Force in charge of co-ordinating all air
all year long, especially in the Tactical and land combat operations against Daesh
Leadership Programme in Albacete, [so-called Islamic State] in the whole theatre.
undoubtedly facilitates combat operations in “Missions and taskings were shared and
these types of conflicts as part of a coalition. deconfliction between combat patrols
“We know each other very well, was carried out at CAOC level to maximise
and we all work in a similar way, combat efficiency and reduce risks.”
using common procedures.”
Robust tanking plan
Flottilles 11F and 12F Because of the long transit distances, Charles
During Arromanches III, Flottilles 11F and de Gaulle’s Rafales depended on tanker
12F each deployed 12 Rafale Ms aboard the support. Late last year the tanker fleet in
French flagship. The GAé also included two the Middle East was extremely varied and
Flottille 4F E-2C Hawkeyes from Lann-Bihoué, French Navy Rafales were refuelled by an
two SA365F Dauphins and an SA319 Alouette array of assets drawn from multiple air arms.
III from Flottille 35F at Hyères and an NH90 They included French Air Force (Armée
Caïman of Flottille 31F, also from Hyères, de l’Air) C-135FR Stratotankers, US Air
bringing the complement to 30 aircraft. Force KC-10 Extenders and KC-135R
Commander ‘Alban’, the CO of Flottille Stratotankers, Royal Australian Air
11F, explained: “The carrier’s senior Force (RAAF) KC-30s, Italian Aeronautica
aeronautical engineering officer was in Militare KC-767s and Luftwaffe A310s.
charge of overseeing all Rafale maintenance. Above: Rafale M pilots strapping in prior to another
“I never took fuel from a Royal Air Force A330
His mission was to ensure that enough mission. The Rafale’s Mk16F ejection seat is Voyager, although they were there too,” noted
assets were available at all times to reclined at 29°. Dassault Aviation/Katsuhiko Tokunaga Flottille 11F’s CO. “About 80% of the tankers

“After we checked in and completed the
authentication procedure, the JTAC provided
us with a sitrep [situation report], an accurate
description of the tactical situation in the area.
“When we weren’t too busy, in the rare
periods of relative calm when fighting
abated, we performed armed overwatch,
trying to determine where fires were
coming from in an effort to locate Daesh
firing positions. Easier said than done.”
Each offensive patrol comprised two
bomber-configured Rafales, the first fitted
with four or six 500lb (227kg) GBU-12
Hooks down, a pair of Rafales carrying unexpended Paveway II laser-guided bombs (LGBs) and
ordnance enters the circuit at precisely 657ft (600ft the second with four to six Hammer (Highly
above the deck, and another 57ft above the water).
The leader is armed with four Hammers and the
Agile Modular Munition Extended Range)
wingman, four GBU-12s. Marine Nationale precision weapons. One of the pair also
carried a Damocles targeting pod under
we refuelled from belonged to the ever present the right forward fuselage hardpoint.
C-135FR/KC-135R family, either US or French. Sharing airspace Pilots could therefore handle all sorts of
“Each time, we requested a ‘fill to full’,
expressing our fuel requirement over with the Russians situations, achieving a variety of military
effects thanks to different types of bomb
the radio in pounds. Various diversion Russian fast jets and combat helicopters bodies and multiple fusing options.
options had been prepared, but all were operating in force in Syrian airspace Three types of bomb body were used
had their own logistical drawbacks. during Arromanches III, but every effort by the French Navy during Arromanches
“Thankfully diversions for tanking/ was taken to avoid close encounters. III: the 500lb BLU-111, the 250kg (551lb)
tanker issues were extremely rare. The “The GAé’s mission was definitely not Corps de Bombe à Effets Multiples
in-flight refuelling plan produced by the to establish a contact with our Russian Sécurisé (CBEMS, multiple effects
CAOC was always remarkably robust. opposite numbers,” pointed out Captain insensitive bomb body) and the 500lb
“Nevertheless, the tasking was often Jean. “In Syria, a kind of cohabitation was BLU-126, which contains less explosive
established between allied and Russian
modified in response to changes in the mass than a regular BLU-111 or CBEMS
aircraft, with deconfliction ensured at
mission or to use available extra fuel from to reduce the risk of collateral damage.
command level between our respective
the given tankers. The end result was that “The mission leader routinely flew the aircraft
headquarters.
we often had to refuel from the tanker of the “Our pilots followed very strict guidelines
equipped with the Damocles,” said Alban.
previous slot, which had additional kerosene to avoid potentially hazardous situations. “Before each engagement during a fire
to transfer, before heading back to base.” The idea was quite simple: avoid contact support mission, we received via the radio
at all costs so as not to find ourselves in a a ‘nine-line’ – a standardised briefing with
Into combat situation that could easily deteriorate and attack data, including target co-ordinates,
As soon as the Rafales reached their allocated rapidly escalate. the attack heading and the type of weapon
operating area, their pilots would first call “This is where the RBE2 electronic approved by the Red Card Holder, a
the fighter controller on the ground or on scanning radar and its AESA antenna French officer in the CAOC who can veto
board an AWACS. Then the Joint Terminal prove their immense value. Thanks to the engagement if he thinks conditions
Attack Controller (JTAC) would allocate them a their extraordinary detection ranges, the for a safe fire are not met, especially if
combat air patrol orbit and an altitude block pilot can see what’s going on far ahead, friendlies are too close to the target area.
to ensure deconfliction would be guaranteed giving them time to anticipate and stay “Having an officer able to step back and think
horizontally and vertically with the multiple clear of Russian fighters. about safety issues is clearly an advantage
assets – bombers, fast jets and unmanned “The Rafales fl ying in Syria were in some conditions. It’s very efficient and
aerial vehicles (UAVs) – waiting to be relieved. predominantly fitted with the ASEA the Red Card Holder remains a major asset
“We were there when the battle for Mosul antenna. I noticed myself that use of the to minimise the risk of friendly fire.”
AESA is addictive and, once you’ve tried it,
began,” said Commander Alban, “and each
time we approached the city we could see
it’s difficult to come back to the older PESA
[passive electronically scanned array]
Multiple targets
on our screen all the aircraft holding, waiting Many targets were destroyed by French
system.”
their turn to be allowed to proceed towards Navy Rafales before the start of the battle
the area where the fighting was taking place. for Mosul, including improvised explosive
“Seen from our position [it was a] rather device (IED) and vehicle-borne IED (VBIED)
small area, the size of a large town. As soon factories. During the battle itself, targets
as a patrol was returning to base the JTAC were mainly mortar emplacements, sniper
would call in the next one to ensure there positions and VBIEDs on the move.
was always enough firepower available. “I clearly recall a very intense mission during
“There were always a lot of friendlies in the the battle for Mosul,” said Commander ‘Marc’,
vicinity, all around, above or below us: US commanding officer of Flottille 12F. “I was flying
Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses, F-15E Strike as the wingman of a two-ship. The weather was
Eagles, A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and Reaper marginal at best, with numerous thunder cells.
drones, RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets, British “Communications with troops on the ground
Tornados and Typhoons, and F-16 Fighting were difficult. The JTAC wanted a PID [positive
Falcons drawn from various countries… identification] of the target. It took a while
“Thanks to the Link 16 data link, we knew to do so, because my leader had to wait for
Above: Concentration etched on the face of a Rafale
at the flick of a switch what weapons and a hole to appear in the cloud base to lock on
M pilot. French Navy aircrews are trained to a very
what remaining fuel the other aircraft in the high standard, a typical fighter pilot logging 220 flying the target and identify it with his Damocles
network had. Pretty neat and very useful. hours each year. Jean-Philippe Pons/Marine Nationale pod and extract accurate co-ordinates.

Main photo: Armourers, invariably called ‘boums’
in the French Navy, prepare to load a Scalp cruise
missile under the belly of a Rafale. Marine Nationale
Below: The French Rafale M uses a launch bar
similar to that in service with the US Navy, ensuring
interoperability. Marine Nationale
“The hole quickly disappeared, however, undisclosed target in the Middle East: “I
and I had to fire a Hammer precision weapon barely noticed the firing itself. It’s quite
at those co-ordinates through the clouds. surprising for a weapon weighing about a
“Shortly afterwards, the weather started to tonne, but you can hardly feel the actual
improve again and my leader dropped a GBU- release; all unwanted attitude changes
12 at a second target. It was a very dynamic in pitch, roll and yaw are eliminated.
mission, with two successive engagements.” “I shot the Scalp at night. I couldn’t see the
Flottille 12F’s CO recalled another mission: horizon and I had no external references
“At dusk we were asked to destroy a heavy at all. It may be the reason why I did not
mortar emplacement carefully hidden notice any movement of the platform. For
in the middle of a palm grove. Accurate operations from the Charles de Gaulle, the
mortar firing had stopped the progression Scalp is mounted under the centreline
of friendlies and quick action was required. pylon, along the airframe’s longitudinal
French Navy
“This time I was the leader and my aircraft axis, which is probably the reason why
was fitted with a Damocles. The weather there are no movements in roll.
was good and infrared imagery proved
decisive in accurately locating the target:
“In any case, the Rafale’s sophisticated fly-
by-wire controls are very efficient at erasing
Rafale in detail
Although commonality remains high between
the pod’s infrared sensor clearly showed the airframe’s secondary effects, all induced
Armée de l’Air and Marine Nationale variants
a hotspot that marked the location of the aerodynamic effects being cancelled.”
of the jet, the Rafale M differs in several
mortar’s hot barrel below the palm trees. ways from its French Air Force B and C
“I immediately started spiking the target Surveillance duties counterparts. The most obvious modification
for a GBU-12 bomb. On the multifunction During the two-and-a-half months of the is the massive, extremely robust landing
screen displaying Damocles imagery I deployment, weather had an impact on gear designed to absorb the loads associated
clearly saw the impact of the bomb and a the Rafales for fewer than ten days. with catapult shots and carrier landings.
huge secondary explosion betraying the “The RBE2 radar’s high-resolution The nosewheel is fitted with a launch bar
destruction of the ammo stored nearby. mapping mode [also known as synthetic compatible with the launch shuttles used by
“The friendlies were soon able aperture radar, SAR] is highly useful US-built Mk13 catapults.
to move forward again.” when the weather starts deteriorating,” Under the rear of its fuselage the Rafale
explained Commander Marc. M is equipped with a power-operated,
Scalp firing “It allows us to identify points of interest automatically retractable arresting hook;
Both the Armée de l’Air and the Marine using radar imagery and to confirm that in the cockpit, the hook handle is slightly
Nationale (French Navy) fired large what we’re looking at is really what the different from that on the Rafale B/C.
numbers of MBDA Scalp EG (Emploi JTAC wants us to look at, to avoid errors The Rafale M also features a fuel dump
Général, general purpose) stealth linked to the use of wrong co-ordinates. valve on the right side of the rear fuselage
for the pilot to jettison fuel and reduce
cruise missiles in the Middle East. “For example, in Mosul, major roads and
weight should they need to trap back
Used against hardened targets of strategic the bridges over the Euphrates River can
aboard the carrier earlier than expected.
value, Scalps deprive IS terrorists of any clearly be seen on the radar screen.”
In all other respects, the Rafale M retains
prior warning of an incoming strike: The French carrier air group launched
the same airframe and same systems
fighters operating at medium level to numerous reconnaissance missions as part (including the avionics, sensors, engines,
remain outside the range of light weapons of the coalition effort to gather intelligence: auxiliary power unit and Mk16F ejection
and shoulder-launched missiles could be “The Rafale’s Pod Reco NG works remarkably seat) as the French Air Force’s single-seat
detected audibly before an attack with laser- well,” explained the GAé commander. and two-seat versions, helping reduce
guided bombs – but the Scalp, which can “Thanks to its ability to photograph and procurement and support costs and easing
be fired from hundreds of kilometres away, map a huge area while providing extremely logistics and maintenance. All variants have
follows a very low-level attack profile. high-resolution imagery, it’s truly in a class also benefited from the Rafale M’s corrosion
Commander Marc fired a Scalp at an of its own. This capability was praised by protection.

the upper echelons and our annotated a large amount of sorties,” said Capt Jean.
BAN Landivisiau imagery was always in high demand.”
It was during Arromanches III that the first
“For the past 12 years we’d been preparing
ourselves for the withdrawal of the Super
On May 2, 1967, a naval fighter landed for laser-guided variant of the Hammer family Étendard Modernisé and the conversion
the first time at the new Base Aéronavale (known as the SBU-54) was fired in combat by of Flottille 17F, the last of the three naval
(BAN, naval air base) at Landivisiau, in
the French Navy – although an opportunity fighter squadrons, to the Rafale.
Brittany, signalling the start of a very
to fire the powerful internal 30M791 30mm “Mission Arromanches III has given
successful operational story. Today, three
cannon did not arise during the deployment. us unparalleled insight into our future
naval squadrons – Flottilles 11F, 12F and
17F, all stationed at Landivisiau – are
Capt Jean explained: “Firing on co-ordinates operational capabilities. We now have at
equipped with the Rafale M fighter. is extremely efficient, but against targets our disposal a superb combat tool perfectly
Flottille 17F, the last Super Étendard on the move the Laser Hammer gives adapted to our needs and missions.
Modernisé operator, is in the midst of us formidable offensive capabilities to “After the terror attacks that have struck
conversion and should be fully operational overcome the tactics developed by Daesh. our country, our fellow citizens clearly feel
on the Rafale M in mid-2018, in time for “After each attack, [their] warfighters the pressure of terrorism but the Armée de
carrier qualification aboard Charles de move very rapidly to try to avoid l’Air and the Marine Nationale are taking an
Gaulle when the vessel comes out of refit. destruction and we have to be very fast active part in the fight against terror groups.”
When 17F is operational, all the units to engage them: in this type of situation For the crew of the French carrier and the
will be capable of conducting the whole the Laser Hammer proves invaluable. air group personnel, Arromanches III proved
spectrum of combat operations: air “Daesh personnel have been constantly especially intense: “The fact that the GAé was
defence of the task force, air superiority bombed for over two years now, forcing able to be back up to speed so rapidly for
in a contested environment, pre-strategic them to modify their tactics. As a result an additional deployment was a source of
and tactical reconnaissance, non- we also had to adapt our own tactics, satisfaction for all of us,” reflected Capt Jean.
traditional intelligence and surveillance, exploiting to the full the capabilities of our “Weapon consumption was high, but I want
nuclear deterrence, anti-ship strikes, fast jets to prevail on the battlefield. to stress that the Charles de Gaulle’s load
interdiction, precision attacks deep inside
“The Laser Hammer variant also has the carrying capabilities are excellent in terms
enemy territory, close air support and
advantage of retaining the capability to of ammunition, kerosene, spare parts and
buddy-buddy refuelling.
hit recorded initial co-ordinates accurately food. This helps reduce the pressure on fleet
Escadrille 57S meanwhile operates the
Falcon 10MER (Marine Entraînement
should the laser guidance be interrupted by replenishers and the whole logistic chain.”
Radar) from Landivisiau in the training clouds, smoke or obstructions – something
and light transport roles. that’s clearly impossible with the GBU-12.” Resilience at sea
“Since the Bois Belleau mission in 2013,
After-action review we’ve taken part in four successive
Mission Arromanches III, the first of its kind deployments, including two back-to-back
without any Super Étendard Modernisé deployments in 2016,” added Capt Jean. “We
(SEM) aircraft aboard the French flagship, were in theatre on January 1 last year and
revealed how useful the interaction between were again at sea, off Syria, on December 15.
Flottilles 11 and 12F can be, resulting in “This is quite an achievement. True, we
excellent reactivity and operational flexibility. spent nearly six months in France,
Flottille 11F Flottille 12F Flottille 17F “With a single type on board it’s easier to but with time at sea in the
obtain a good availability rate and generate Mediterranean in the summer

Left: Rafale M36 just after trapping back on board
‘Charles de Gaulle’. It is carrying a Damocles
targeting pod. L Bernardin/Marine Nationale
E-2C Hawkeyes
in action
Flottille 4F’s two E-2C Hawkeyes played
a decisive role during the Arromanches
III deployment, using their powerful AN/
APS-145 radar to detect all air and surface
activity for hundreds of miles around.
“Once more, the Hawkeye provided us with
the ability to fully understand what was
to prepare for the next deployment, Flying out of Jordan going on around the Charles de Gaulle and
conducting carrier qualifications for In late March, four French Navy Rafales around our fighters,” said Capt Jean. “The
recently arrived young aircrews. deployed to the Middle East for combat Hawkeye’s radar range is outstanding, and
“As I speak, we don’t have a single pilot operations from Jordan against so-called it can see everything through 360° while a
within the carrier air group who’s not Islamic State at a time when the threat to fighter pilot’s focused on his mission.
been engaged in combat in one theatre French interests remained extremely high. “All French and allied assets used their
Link 16 data link to co-operate and share
or another. It used to be unheard of They replaced a quartet of Armée de
tactical data, significantly increasing our
to have 100% combat-proven, battle- l’Air Rafales at the base, enabling the
combat capabilities. The Hawkeyes flew
hardened pilots, but this is the case today air force units to temporarily reduce
every day, either ‘feet wet’ over the eastern
– which gives you a good idea of the their sustained operational tempo. The Mediterranean or ‘feet dry’ over the
experience level among GAé aircrews in concept of a so-called ‘land-based carrier theatre. On some given days, two sorties
strike and close air support missions.” air group’ had already been successfully were flown, one ‘feet dry’ and one ‘feet wet’.
Although the Charles de Gaulle will tested in 2008 when SEMs deployed to “In Iraq there’s a traffic control authority,
be unavailable until mid-2018, French Kandahar in the fight against the Taliban. because airliners are routinely flown
Navy Rafales are not staying idle. The withdrawal of the SEM and the within the country and to and from foreign
Between March 16 and March 30 this switch to the ‘all-Rafale GAé’ has led both destinations. But in Syria the coalition did
year, a pair of Rafale Ms deployed to to a considerable increase in firepower not have access to any air traffic control
Lann-Bihoué, south Brittany, for the and the survivability of offensive and service, and in those conditions our
homeland air defence mission. defensive combat air patrols, helping Hawkeyes proved invaluable.
The two quick reaction alert (QRA) missions to be planned and executed in “Until the Rafale is equipped with a
Rafales were held at short-notice non-permissive or denied environments. satcom system, the E-2C will remain a
readiness, ready to take off and intercept Moreover, the carrier can launch a useful communication relay. Thanks to
any aircraft that might enter French much higher number of sorties with 24 its advanced communication suite, it can
airspace without prior consent or radio Rafales than with a mix of Rafales and maintain contact between the fighters
contact, or needing assistance. Navy SEMs, as was the case until July 2016, and the carrier. Finally, its comprehensive
electronic intelligence systems are priceless
Rafales will handle the northwest QRA the transition representing a major step
in helping update our radar database.”
at Lann-Bihoué again later this year. forward for the Marine Nationale.
Above: A Rafale M comes in to land under the watchful eye of two flight deck personnel. All external
weapons have been expended. A Pugnet/Marine Nationale
Left: A heavily armed Rafale taxies from the forward edge of the deck to the lateral catapult. It is loaded
with a 2,000lb GBU-24 Paveway III laser-guided bomb under the centreline pylon, two 2,000-litre drop tanks
and four Mica EM/IR air-to-air missiles. A Pugnet/Marine Nationale

Rafale 30e Escadre
AIR FORCE
RAFALES IN
The ‘Lorraine’ squadron’s
transfer from Al Dhafra to Mont-
de-Marsan in September 2016
made the 30e Escadre (30th
A
FLEET OF 47 Rafale B/C and four Mirage
2000D fighters, three Alpha Jet trainers
and two TBM700 light transports equips
the 30e Escadre for its role as the Armée de
l’Air’s (French Air Force’s) spearhead in the
at Istres for the allocation of tanker slots.”
The 30e Escadre is divided into six
units, served by 900 personnel:
• Escadron de Chasse et d’Expérimentation
(ECE, Fighter and Evaluation
Wing) fully operational. fields of operational evaluation, air defence/ Squadron) 1/30 ‘Côte d’Argent’;
Henri-Pierre Grolleau visited air superiority, conventional strike and pre- • Régiment de Chasse (RC, Fighter
Base Aérienne 118 for AFM. strategic and tactical reconnaissance. Regiment) 2/30 ‘Normandie-Niemen’;
Over the last couple of years, the Armée • Escadron de Chasse (EC, Fighter
de l’Air has recreated wings (escadres) at all Squadron) 3/30 ‘Lorraine’;
its major air bases. “All the activity of the • Escadron de Soutien Technique
squadrons is managed at escadre level,” Aéronautique (ESTA, Aeronautical Technical
said Lt Col Nicolas (all surnames withheld on Support Squadron) 15/30 ‘Chalosse’;
request), the 30e Escadre Operations Officer. • Centre de Formation Rafale (CFR,
“On Tuesdays, three successive meetings Rafale Training Centre) 23/30;
are organised at three different levels – air • Equipe Technique Interarmées Rafale
base, operations officers of the squadrons, (ETIAR, Joint Rafale Technical Team) 61/30.
and duty flight commanders – to oversee the The three 30e Escadre combat squadrons
Main photo: A pair of 30e Escadre Rafales cruises
activity of the following week. Everything belong to two separate commands. The
high above southwest France. All photos is planned in close co-operation with the Centre d’Expertise Aérienne Militaire (CEAM,
Henri-Pierre Grolleau unless otherwise stated other escadres, especially the 31e Escadre Air Warfare Centre) is responsible for ECE

IN ACTION
1/30, and the Commandement des Forces
Aériennes (CFA, Air Forces Command) for
EC 2/30 and EC 3/30. A similar organisation
exists at Saint-Dizier, where squadrons are
split between the CFA and the FAS (Forces
“Fully developed weapon systems that
have passed their development tests and
met their design specifications are put
through their paces here, performing
missions in realistic combat conditions. We
precision,” continued Commandant Vincent.
“Refinements will be brought to the Spectra
electronic suite to increase its detection
capabilities and improve the precision of
the jamming. Our specialists have flight-
Aériennes Stratégiques, Strategic Air Forces). are extremely busy supporting the Rafale tested the TALIOS targeting pod and we are
programme. We regularly update its flight already working on the Meteor [beyond-
‘Côte d’Argent’ – Opeval manual and its tactical manual. The first visual range air-to-air missile, BVRAAM]
ECE 1/30 is heavily involved in operational of these focuses on the aircraft’s systems operational trial scenarios. To fulfil our
testing of new Rafale and Mirage 2000 and the second on the tactics and use of missions, we are often required to modify
systems. Commandant (Major) Vincent, the sensors and weapons. These manuals our Rafales, these modifications being
squadron’s operations officer, explained: are updated every time a new item of usually applied to two-seaters. These aircraft
“‘Côte d’Argent’ is the unit that prepares for equipment or new standard is introduced.” remain fully capable of undertaking combat
the future. We are in charge of conducting ECE 1/30 actively supports the development missions, but aircrews have to be aware of
the operational evaluation [Opeval] of of new Rafale variants. For example, the changes introduced to the aircraft.”
new systems, of innovating and of refining its personnel are heavily involved in the
the new tactics and operational doctrine introduction into service of Standard F3R. Snipe targets
to be used by Armée de l’Air combat “We are currently focusing on the Rafale’s ECE 1/30 aircrews and specialists carry out
units. Our mission is to deliver to the Front Sector Optronics [FSO] that will multiple operational evaluation campaigns
front line a fully operational system with be substantially improved, with a better each year. Commandant Vincent provided
a clear and concise operating manual. video image and enhanced target tracking some examples: “Over the last few months,

Rafale 30e Escadre
Homeland defence
At the time of writing, ‘Normandie-Niemen’ and ‘Lorraine’ were both providing assets
for the southwest and northeast quick reaction alerts (QRAs), at Mont-de-Marsan and
Saint-Dizier respectively. Each QRA site is provided with two armed Rafales that can
A CEAM Rafale photographed between sorties
be scrambled within minutes to intercept, identify and, if required, use force against during Exercise Serpentex 2016 at Solenzara,
an aircraft, civil or military, that refuses to obey an order. “A young pilot like me Corsica. It is fitted with a Damocles targeting pod.
spends about a week every month in the QRA facility,” explained 2nd Lt Sébastien.
“Every operational pilot in the squadron is cleared to undertake the QRA mission,
including those of the Forces Aériennes Stratégiques. We follow a very strict training
programme, with stressful and combat-realistic scenarios: interception at very
high altitude of a business jet that has lost radio contact with air traffic controllers,
in-flight assistance of a lost light piston aircraft close to a no-fly zone, interception of
a foreign fighter that has entered French airspace without diplomatic clearance.
“We also simulate situations that rapidly degenerate, allowing us to perform
both QRA and dogfight training during the same sortie. The Rafale proves
ideal for the QRA mission: it is very powerful, with excellent acceleration
and climb rate, a high ceiling and a remarkable endurance.
All QRA Rafales are armed with four Mica EM/IR missiles and they carry a full Above: A ‘Lorraine’ pilot photographed in front
allocation of decoys and of 30mm ammunition. Usually, aircraft selected for the QRA of one of the unit’s aircraft. Noteworthy is the
mission are all equipped with the FSO to identify targets at stand-off distances.” Tiger scarf, reflecting affiliation with NATO’s Tiger
Association.
A two-seat ‘Normandie-Niemen’ Rafale B prepares

to depart for a night air defence/in-flight
refuelling training mission.
18 DASSAULT RAFALE
Dizier wing. RC 2/30 is the unit dedicated
to lead the supervision of all tactics related
to reconnaissance and conventional attack
missions and co-operation with special
forces. In close concert with the experts of
the CEAM, its subject matter experts (SMEs)
constantly refine operational concepts
and procedures when new weapons or
new variants of in-service weapons are
introduced. The SMEs focus on all the tactics
used to deliver guided weapons, including
the GBU-12/22/24 Paveway II/III laser-guided
bombs, the Hammer (Highly Agile, Modular
Munition Extended Range) family of precision
weapons and the Scalp cruise missile, or
to execute a recce pass with the Pod Reco
NG (New-Generation Reconnaissance Pod,
known on the export market as AREOS, for
Airborne Recce Observation System). The
squadron flies the single-seat Rafale C.
EC 2/30 is also the dedicated Rafale
squadron in charge of supporting French
special forces: “We are the special forces’
primary point of contact within the Armée
de l’Air fighter community,” explained
2nd Lt Sébastien, one of the ‘Normandie-
Niemen’ pilots/forward air controllers. “We
I was involved in air-to-air gunnery trials “Another example of the type of work we co-operate closely with the commandos of
against the new Snipe targets currently being perform here: prior to each deployment the 1e Régiment Parachutiste d’Infanterie
evaluated. These very small targets – with a or multinational exercise, we test on the de Marine, the 13e Régiment de Dragons
wingspan of less than two metres – will be ground and in flight the Link 16 networks Parachutistes and the Commando
used operationally to allow frontline pilots to that will be used in the field. We recently Parachutiste de l’Air N° 10 for all aspects
train in realistic conditions against very small tested a Norwegian network prior to of fire support missions. We rely on
slow-movers. The goal of the evaluation the deployment of Rafales to Finland for procedures that are common to everybody
was to develop valid tactics. The challenge the Arctic Challenge 2017 multinational and we routinely support their exercises.”
for the pilot is to stabilise the firing run long exercise. Finally, as part of our support
enough in order to press the trigger at the to export programmes, we recently Pod Reco NG
correct time. Easier said than done when dropped unguided, slick Mk82 bombs.” The training syllabus to master the use of
engaging such a small object that proves the Pod Reco NG is remarkably short. Only
incredibly difficult to acquire visually. During ‘Normandie-Niemen’ – two training sessions in simulators and three
the trials I was involved in, the Snipe was air-to-surface leader medium-altitude and four low-level/very-low-
flying at 70 knots [130km/h] at 3,000 feet. I RC 2/30 ‘Normandie-Niemen’ is level training sorties are required. The Pod
fired a 0.5-second burst and the Rafale’s unquestionably one of the best-known Reco NG is equipped with a powerful long-
30M791 revolver cannon fired 21 30mm French Air Force units. This fully omni-role range optical photography (LOROP) sensor
rounds. It’s a very difficult exercise because squadron can undertake the complete range in a rotating turret at the tip of the pod, and
the delay between the visual acquisition of air-to-air and air-to-surface missions an infrared line-scanner (IRLS) at its rear.
and beginning of the firing pass is extremely assigned to the Rafale, except the nuclear During each training sortie, the trainee
short, with a very, very small firing window. deterrence role allocated to the Saint- pilot will have to photograph targets during
Former Free French squadrons in action: Rafale Cs from ‘Lorraine’ (nearest) and ‘Normandie-Niemen’ taxi to the runway at Mont-de-Marsan.

Rafale 30e Escadre
Hammer ARC
Alongside their colleagues of ECE 1/30,
the specialists of EC 2/30 are busy
preparing the entry into service of a
new variant of the Hammer precision
weapon. Known as Hammer ARC (Agile
Release Capabilities), this new variant will
soon be introduced for close air support
missions. It will offer an expanded firing
envelope thanks to new control laws
optimised for off-boresight firings. With
the previous control laws, the weapon
could not be dropped from an orbit
when the Rafale was wheeling around a
target, observing the combat area from
a short distance away with its targeting
pod. This meant that the fighter had to
leave its orbit pattern and fly away for a
few nautical miles before coming back
for the attack run and weapon release, a
time-consuming process when the lives
of troops in contact are at stake. With
the ARC firing mode, a pilot will be able
to drop the weapon while still wheeling
around the target, thus considerably planned recce runs and targets of opportunity by overflying the target, performing a ‘mark’
reducing the time needed to engage a assigned by the instructor during the sortie. to register its co-ordinates before initiating a
time-sensitive objective. “In addition, As was the case with the Reims-based quick manoeuvre to return and take vertical
the new ARC version is cleared for Mirage F1CR strike fighters that previously or oblique images.” Despite this apparent
firing from very low level, in automatic handled the Plan d’Imagerie France (PIF, simplicity, a thorough mission planning
terrain following, and in a turn,” said Imagery Plan for France), civilian authorities process is always required to ensure success.
General Richard Reboul, the Deputy can ask for specific photos to be taken for
Commander of the Commandement later use. For example, when a new railway ‘Lorraine’ returns
des Forces Aériennes. “This is a major line is constructed, all major structures In summer 2016, the Armée de l’Air
advantage for entry operations, in
such as bridges and tunnel entrances are undertook a major reshuffle of its Rafale
contested or heavily defended airspace,
systematically photographed to create files units and of its inventory of the fighters.
during the first few days of a conflict.”
that could be used at a later stage by rescue In summary, the higher echelons had
services – firefighters, ambulances, police or decided to regroup most B-model two-
Gendarmerie – should an accident happen. seaters at Saint-Dizier for conversion
“The Pod Reco NG is extremely simple training and nuclear deterrence missions,
to use, with very intuitive symbology and and most C-model single-seaters at Mont-
‘switchology’,” continued 2nd Lt Sébastien. de-Marsan and Al Dhafra in the United
“Consequently, we do not need to train that Arab Emirates (UAE). However, a small
frequently in the recce role. During a planned number of single-seaters are still based at
reconnaissance mission against known targets, Base Aérienne 113 Saint-Dizier supporting
the Rafale handles everything by itself, the pilot the operational conversion activities of
limiting himself to a system surveillance role. Escadron de Transformation Rafale (ETR,
Various types of target designation can be Rafale Conversion Squadron) 3/4 ‘Aquitaine’.
utilised for targets of opportunity: via the high- Similarly, a handful of two-seaters are
resolution radar mode, the FSO’s TV sensor, or allocated to Base Aérienne 118 in Mont-
a selection on the digital map display, or just de-Marsan for various missions. To realise
‘Lorraine’ Rafale C120 comes into land at the end of
another training sortie. It carries the markings of
Escadrille (flight) SPA 38 on the fin.

Main photo: Two Rafale C single-seaters break
away from the camera ship. The nearest aircraft is
equipped with two Mica IR missiles on the wingtips,
two 2,000-litre external fuel tanks and a Scalp
stealth cruise missile under the centerline pylon.
Left: A ‘Normandie-Niemen’ pilot busy preparing
his next sortie. Even in the digital age, maps are
still useful.
this plan, EC 1/7 ‘Provence’ left Saint-Dizier Air-to-air expertise

for Al Dhafra while ‘Lorraine’ was relocated EC 3/30 operates single-seat Rafales in air- ESTA: a hub of activity
from Al Dhafra to Mont-de-Marsan. to-air and air-to-surface roles, with a strong ESTA 15/30 ‘Chalosse’ is the focus of all
The changeover saw aircraft numbers emphasis on air-defence/air superiority activity at Mont-de-Marsan. Within the
revised among the units. While at Al Dhafra, missions. “We have here a high ratio of Armée de l’Air, most engineers are now
‘Lorraine’ had six Rafales and now ‘Provence’ aircrews with an air-defence background,” part of ESTAs, leaving only aircrews,
also has six. While at Saint-Dizier, EC 1/7 had explained Commandant Damien, an administrative and intelligence specialists
20 aircraft, and now ‘Lorraine’ has the same experienced EC 3/30 pilot. “About 60% within frontline units. With its 630
number at Mont-de-Marsan. This meant of all our flying hours are devoted to air- personnel, ESTA 15/30 is by far the largest
that a number of single-seaters transferred to-air combat training, except when we unit within the 30 e Escadre. It oversees
directly from Saint-Dizier to Mont-de-Marsan, are involved in laser designation training servicing, maintenance and repair for
without ever visiting the UAE. “The transfer which brings the ratio between air-to- all 56 aircraft stationed at Mont-de-
of the single-seaters of EC 1/7 from Saint- air and air-to-surface to around 50/50. Marsan, including the Rafales and their
Dizier to Mont-de-Marsan provided us “What you have to understand, and I must M88-2 turbofans. ESTA engineers are
with the opportunity to organise a superb insist on this point, is that it takes longer to also frequently required to adjust the
training mission,” recalled Capitaine Olivier, train a pilot in the air-to-air role than in the jet’s configurations to match the training
the ‘Lorraine’ tradition/public affairs officer. air-to-surface role. For a Scalp strike or an requirements of the three squadrons.
“An appeal had been launched to all Armée air interdiction mission, most of the job is For instance, during AFM’s visit to Mont-
de-Marsan, a team of engineers was
de l’Air and Marine Nationale [French Navy] done on the ground, on the mission planning
busy installing a Pod Reco NG under the
squadrons so that they could provide ‘Red workstation and in the briefing room, leaving
centreline pylon of a Rafale so that pilots
Air’ assets and, when the 12 Rafales took off no room for improvisation. In the air-to-
could train with that advanced system.
on their way to Mont-de-Marsan, they had air arena, the challenge is to identify and
to forcibly make their way through. This was understand the enemy’s behaviour. You
incredibly realistic training… and a good way need to be mentally quick to ensure that the
to optimise the use of precious resources.” developing situation fully complies with the
EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’, formerly No 342 Free rules of engagement edited by the higher
French Squadron in the UK Royal Air Force, echelons. In order to do so – and to be good
is one of the most prestigious Armée de at it – you need to train and train again.”
l’Air units. This former Mirage F1 operator Complex air-combat training missions are
was re-established at Al Dhafra in 2010 organised daily. Capt Olivier described a
after it had been selected to become the typical mission: “A Sweep 2/Strike 2, that
forward-deployed unit in the UAE, flying is four Rafale C single-seaters – in fact two
Mirage 2000-5F interceptors. It began ‘Normandie-Niemen’ strikers escorted by two
re-equipping with Rafales in 2011. ‘Lorraine’ Rafales – would take off from Mont-
Confronted with a sharp reduction in de-Marsan to fictitiously attack a target in
the number of frontline units, the French the TSA 43 training area. A CAP 2 [two-ship
Air Force decided to preserve its most combat air patrol] composed of either two
historically important escadrons (squadrons) EC 1/4 Rafale B two-seaters from Saint-Dizier
and escadrilles (flights). This is the reason or two EC 1/2 Mirage 2000-5F interceptors
why flights SAL 56 ‘Scarabée’, SPA 38 from Luxeuil would try to defend that target
‘Chardon de Lorraine’ and SPA 162 ‘Tigre’ and intercept the incoming four-ship raid.”
have been allocated to EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’
while escadrilles ‘Metz’, ‘Nancy’ and ‘Lorraine’ in combat
‘Thionville’ have disbanded. Thanks to the ‘Lorraine’ was the first French squadron to Armourers equip a Rafale with a Laser-Guided
allocation of SPA 62, EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’ is now be involved in the fight against so-called Training Round (LGTR) during Exercise Serpentex
2016 at Solenzara.
part of the famous NATO Tiger Association. Islamic State (Daesh). EC 3/30 aircrews

Rafale 30e Escadre
“The other advantage is the reduction of
pressure on the tanker fleet. When I was
in Jordan, Mosul East had been liberated
from Daesh terrorists and most of the
fighting focused on Mosul West. Weapon
configurations are adjusted depending
on the operational constraints, the
requirements of the troops on the ground,
and the anticipated weather conditions.
“For instance, if the weatherman tells us that
it is more than likely that a cloud layer will
prevent us from seeing targets on the ground,
we will ask armourers to equip our Rafales
with Hammer precision weapons that can be
fired on GPS co-ordinates instead of GBU-12s
that require laser guidance down to impact.
“We had enough Damocles targeting pods
to equip all our Rafales and we usually took
off with four bombs, Hammers or GBU-
12s, three 2,000-litre fuel tanks, a varying
number of Mica missiles and a full allocation
of decoys and of 30mm ammo. We were
sometimes asked to destroy hardened targets
with a GBU-24 bomb fitted with a 2,000lb
penetrator. Most of the time we flew as two-
ships, even though planned air interdiction
missions were occasionally flown as four-
ships to attack specific targets spread over
a wide area. Usually, we stayed three hours
on station before heading back to base.”
Hammer V1 and V4
The Hammer has become the preferred
air-to-ground weapon within the Rafale
community. It is now available in three
variants each weighing a total of 340kg
(750lb): SBU-38, with inertial/GPS guidance;
SBU-64, with dual-mode inertial/GPS and
Two Rafale C single-seaters up from their Mont-de- infrared seeker; and SBU-54, with laser
Marsan home. Even with two Micas, two 2,000-litre
drop tanks and a Scalp missile, the Rafale remains guidance added to the inertial/GPS kit. All
extremely agile. these variants are collectively known as
V1s when fitted with a standard-yield 500lb
still regularly deploy to the Middle East for months,” he said. This represented a (227kg) class Mk82 bomb body, or V4s when
combat operations, either to Al Dhafra to sortie every three days, on average. The equipped with a BLU-126 bomb body/low
reinforce EC 1/7 ‘Provence’, or to the French main advantage of Jordan compared to Al collateral damage weapon that can be used
Air Force forward operating base in Jordan. Dhafra lies in the drastic reduction in transit safely near friendly forces in urban areas.
Capt Olivier took part in a two-month times to and from our operating areas. Capt Olivier said: “The Hammer has proven
operational deployment in Jordan in early “A return trip takes about three hours less incredibly flexible in operational use. We
2017. He spoke of his combat experience than from Al Dhafra, with a corresponding can fire the Hammer from very low to very
in Iraq and Syria. “Missions typically reduction in airframe usage which high level, from very short to very long stand-
lasted about five hours, with pilots logging leads to savings in operating costs and off distances, while remaining well clear of
about 100 hours over the course of two considerably less aircrew fatigue. enemy air defences. In Iraq, we mostly fired
Unit badges
ECE 1/30 ‘Côte d’Argent’ EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’ RC 2/30 ‘Normandie- Escadrille BR 128 (ECE 1/30
Niemen’ ‘Côte d’Argent’)

Apart from the Rafale B/C and the Mirage 2000D
(seen here), ‘Côte d’Argent’ has relinquished all
other types and variants of combat aircraft. Last
to go was the Mirage 2000-5F.
them with the rocket motor off to reduce CEAM and the 30e Escadre are actively
CFR, ETIAR & QRS their time of flight and hit their targets within
the shortest amount of time. Various types of
preparing the entry into service of the
F3R Standard and of the associated
CFR 23/30 plays a central role within
delay or impact fuses are in service, allowing Meteor ramjet-propelled BVRAAM that
the Rafale community. The CFR, a pool
us to obtain different military effects. will revolutionise the Rafale’s air-to-air
of expertise in the field of technical
“I clearly remember a combat situation in capabilities. Tactics used by fighter pilots
training, has been created to provide
theoretical education to French and Syria. Daesh combatants were hiding in an will have to be adapted to take into account
foreign students. The ground-school abandoned house, in a small hamlet. They the Meteor’s extreme engagement range.
syllabi focus on all the Rafale’s systems, were surrounded, but their intensive and Commandant Damien said: “Our tactics had
using state-of-the-art training aids. accurate fires had blocked the progress already been modified after the introduction
Tuition is provided in French or in English of friendlies. Under guidance of a US of the AESA [active electronically scanned
language in purpose-built facilities. UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] and after array] radar but we are still tied by the
ETIAR 61/30 brings together all the Rafale clearance by the French Red Card Holder range of the Mica missile. Thanks to the
technical experts within a single entity to who had quickly performed a CDE [collateral Meteor, we will be able to fire from very far
create a link between the French Air Force damage estimation], I released a SBU-54 away while keeping a high PK [probability of
and the French Navy on one side, and Hammer V4 which hit its intended target kill] to degrade the enemy’s offensive and
the DGA and the industry on the other. with devastating precision, without any defensive capabilities without endangering
As part of a wider effort to support damage to the other houses in the village ourselves. It’s a totally new approach to air
export contracts, Base Aérienne 118 at or to friendly forces only 60 metres away.” combat tactics. One problem will remain,
Mont-de-Marsan will soon accommodate Armée de l’Air Rafale pilots deployed in however: targets will still have to be positively
the Qatari Rafale Squadron (QRS) that will Jordan fly about 15% of all sorties in darkness identified, but the Rafale’s FSO will often allow
train future Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)
using night-vision goggles (NVGs). “At night, us to address this problem. The firing mode
pilots and maintainers. Training of the
combat on the ground looks more impressive: symbology of BVR missiles will also change
first Qatari engineers has already begun
you can clearly see the explosions if you slightly and a modest training programme
with the CFR and ESTA 15/30 ‘Chalosse’.
are looking in the right direction because will have to be put in place for all aircrews.”
By the end of the year, the first QEAF
pilots for the type will start flying the NVGs’ field of view is rather narrow. The Meteor’s engagement range is so great
from Mont-de-Marsan. It should be By contrast, gunfire and firing positions that it will pose new challenges to Rafale
noted that, at the time of writing, the are still difficult to accurately localise.” pilots. “We have launched a new study
QRS had not yet received any official into the use of training ranges,” stressed
name or any traditional Armée de Meteor on the horizon Lt Col Nicolas. “TSA43, the main training
l’Air ‘mecanographic’ number. The Direction Générale de l’Armement airspace in central France, is already too
(DGA, Defence Procurement Agency), the small for effective air-to-air training with the
Mica missile, so you can easily imagine the
The Rafale can carry Hammer precision
munitions on a triple launcher under problem with the Meteor. We are pushing
each wing. Rafales are expending hard to unite distinct and fragmented areas
huge quantities of weapons in off Cazaux to create a single area that would
combat. Dassault Aviation prove ideal for long-range air-to-air training
with the Meteor missile. It will not be that
easy because a lot of operators, including the
test pilots of the DGA EV [DGA Essais en Vol,
Flight Test Centre] and the Alpha Jets of the 8e
Escadre are flying intensively in these areas.”
After the transfer of EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’ from
Al Dhafra to Mont-de-Marsan, the 30e Escadre
is now fully operational. The wing actively
participates in homeland defence duties
and in the global fight against terrorism
while maintaining a remarkably high level of
readiness, thanks to regular participation
in exercises in France and abroad.

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Rafale

THE AIRCRAFT • THE OPERATIONS • THE WEAPONS

F4 Standard Rafale French Air Force at French Navy Rafale

02 DASSAULT RAFALE www.airforcesmonthly.com

Front and back cover: A Dassault Rafale C breaks for

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A pair of Rafales at high altitude.

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Rafale B301 takes oﬀ from Cazaux. It is ﬁtted with

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Changes in the cockpit

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A pair of Rafale M ﬁghters

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16 DASSAULT RAFALE www.airforcesmonthly.com

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A two-seat ‘Normandie-Niemen’ Rafale B prepares

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this plan, EC 1/7 ‘Provence’ left Saint-Dizier Air-to-air expertise

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