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Rafael

The Rafael is a state of the art twin engine fighter developed by France to match the latest planes being developed by countries like U.K., which is developing the EF-2000 and USA. This is a bid from France to enter the multi billion dollar industry of arms sale. The Rafael is a muti role combat aircraft, which is capable of doing anything from long-range interception to deploying a tactical thermonuclear warhead. The Rafael is designed to be an air superiority and to carry out accurate strikes. The Rafael has two versions they include a naval version and an airforce version. The naval version has been designated as Rafael M. There are two other variants for the Rafael in which is a two seat trainer called the Rafael B and a single seat trainer called Rafael C. Another version of the Rafael called the Rafael BM which is a two seat naval fighter is being developed and is expected to enter service in 2006.

Engine

The Rafael is fitted with two M88-2 turbofan engines. These engines have been developed by SNECMA. They deliver a thrust of 75 kN. The air-to-air refueling capability of the Rafael gives unlimited range.

Cockpit

The Rafael is equipped with a head-up-wide-angle holographic display system which is developed by the Thales Avionique. This system provides the mission data, firing cues and aircraft status. This aircraft is also equipped with a hands-on-throttle-and-stick-control (HOTAS). The cockpit also has touch screen lateral displays and a multi-image head level display system. The pilot has the capability to lock on to targets just by looking at them in the Rafael. An onboard CCD camera gives a real time footage throught the mission.

Weapons

The Rafael being a multi-role strike aircraft is capable of carrying a vast array of ordinance. With a maximum payload of about 9 tons carried in 14 hard points. The Rafael has enough fire power to cause heavy damage on the enemy's side. The huge number of missiles carried by the Rafael include AMRAAM, HARM, ASRAAM, Sidewinder, ALARM, Maverick and many others. The Rafael also carries anti-ship missiles like Exocet, Harpoon and Penguin 3.

The Rafael is also capable of deploying a ASMP tactical nuclear weapon for strategic missions. The Rafael is fitted with a twin gun pod and a GIAT 30 mm DEFA 791B cannon. This cannon had a firing rate of 25000 rounds per minute. The Rafael also carries a LANTRIN which contains a laser designation pod used as a guidance system for laser guided bombs.

Countermeasures

The Rafael is equipped with the state of the art electronic warfare systems which include the Spectra developed by Thales. The Spectra system contains radar warning system, missile detection and jammers.

Avionics

The Rafael is equipped with an RBE2 multi role-radar developed by Thales. This system allows the Rafael to have look down/shoot down capabilities. The radar has the capability to track up to eight targets. The Rafael is also equipped with an IFF system which allows the pilot to identify both friend and foe. This aircraft also has an infra-red tracking system which is installed at the nose of the aircraft. This system is used for tracking, target identification as well as automatic target discrimination.

Technical Specifications

Length : 10.3 m

Wingspan : 10.8 m

Height : 5.3 m

Weight : 10,000 kg (empty)

24,500 kg (max)

g limit : +9/-3.2 g

top speed : Mach 1.8