tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384856123558926763.post187606134300131932..comments2023-07-11T09:57:54.828-03:00Comments on BEST FIGHTER FOR CANADA: French taunter (and tempter).Doug Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504832466775445050noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384856123558926763.post-69875482468313872362013-10-24T19:02:34.122-03:002013-10-24T19:02:34.122-03:00Yeah, Rafale is a surprisingly (for a war machine)...Yeah, Rafale is a surprisingly (for a war machine) nice-looking aircraft.<br /><br />Ok, you were thinking about manufacturing the engines in Canada. Yes in this area, GE and P&W are a step ahead. But it seems not worth the cost to integrate a different engine : different size, different weight, air intakes modification needed, etc... That would cost a lot. <br />"Canadianized" avionics (helped by the strong presence of Thales in Canada) and weapon system seem a more realistic, and evenly interesting for Canada, solution.<br /><br />The Damocles story is interesting. Targeting pods is a very small market with only 2 other occidental competitors (USA and Israel). This capability was probably considered too important in the era of precision-guided weapons, so we did our own. Even though Damocles seems a step behind Sniper and Litening, they were interesting successes : Saudi Arabia has chosen Damocles for Tornado (and very likely Typhoon), because these fighters were primarily equipped with Litening, which was rejected for... well... obvious reasons! In addition, Russia produces Damocles under licence to equip su-fighters, and especially su-30 in Russia, Algeria and Malaysia. But a surprise could come from India (again) which already uses Litening pods. If integrated for MMRCA, France could then propose two options : Litening as a sort of high-end capability and the still interesting Damocles for customers not in good relationship with Israel (Gulf countries!).<br /><br />I'll write about the cockpit in your last post...Doug Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10504832466775445050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384856123558926763.post-31942998086892832092013-10-23T18:28:57.119-03:002013-10-23T18:28:57.119-03:00I have a soft spot for the Rafale, it's a very...I have a soft spot for the Rafale, it's a very pretty aircraft!<br /><br />The Snecma engines are only a concern because Canada has a heavy presence of competitors GE and Pratt&Whitney. The Typhoon's Eurojet EJ200 are basically made by Rolls Royce, which also has a significant presence in Canada. Snecma has partnered with P&W Canada in the past however.<br /><br />There is some concern about whether the Rafale has been sufficiently tested for cold weather, but I doubt this would be a problem. The F-35 hasn't been cold tested AT ALL yet.<br /><br />Other issues with the Rafale are mere niggles: The Damocles targeting pod is a lower resolution than competing pods like the Sniper XR and I've read rumbling about some of its cockpit displays not being the greatest. Specifically, the centre MFD is magnified by use of a lens, while the other two MFDs are much smaller and farther away. Not a big deal, I'm sure, just something that the pilot would have to get used to.<br /><br />I would say the biggest (non-political) issue with the Rafale would be its lack of helmet mounted cueing. While this could be fixed easy enough, as well as most of the other issues, it would cost money and time. A "Canadianized" Rafale, possibly with GE414s and some minor avionic and weapon system changes would be a great aircraft for Canada, but it may not be worth the added effort. Especially with the Typhoon, F-35, Super Hornet, and maybe even the Gripen competing. <br /><br />Who knows, however? Dassault is desperate for more sales, and the Indian Rafale buy may make it possible for them to offer a more attractive offer to Canada. The other jets have their share of issues as well... You never know.Doug Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10504832466775445050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384856123558926763.post-78207493962232334762013-10-23T13:08:42.926-03:002013-10-23T13:08:42.926-03:00Beware of French! We could taunt you... anytime! :...Beware of French! We could taunt you... anytime! :-)<br /><br />Even if I don't like it, I completely agree Rafale for Canada is a very long shot. As you write, political bond between France and Canada is rather weak, especially when compared to USA and United Kingdom (probably the most significant country for Canada in the Eurofighter team).<br /><br />Weapons integration is an issue. Not on the technical side, but on the financial one : Dassault can do the work, but that's not without a cost (especially for air-air missiles). Nevertheless, cost would reduce if Canada were making the choice of Meteor against AMRAAM....<br /><br />About engines, I should point out that Typhoon is powered by an european-sourced engine as well.<br />Do you mean something specifically about avionics? Because, problem seems almost the same with all non-american contenders.<br /><br />The helmet mounted cueing system issue is a shame : tactical advantage is widely recognized, but we can't fund it... but India could resolve that!<br /><br />Finally, the only way for Rafale to have any chance in Canada would be to propose an original and unrivalled partnership, especially between industrial partners.<br />Bad news is, originality isn't a french strong point...<br /><br />By the way, good joke with the "although this is a pretty small club at the present".<br /><br />And thanks for posting about our little rebel fighter of France ;-)Doug Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10504832466775445050noreply@blogger.com