« De la terre par le ciel » par le général Yann Pertuisel

15 mars, 2014 Frédéric Lert (FOB)

Afghanistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Libye…  les engagements opérationnels n’ont pas manqué ces dernières années pour l’Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre. Nul doute que les équipages engagés, mais aussi les spécialistes ayant aidé à la mise en œuvre des appareils sur les théâtres d’opérations, ont tous quantités de récits à partager…  Le général Yann Pertuisel, qui a commandé l’Alat de 2010 à 2012 fait œuvre louable en recensant quelques uns de ces témoignages et en les mettant en perspective, avec la vision d’ensemble qu’il pouvait avoir à l’époque. Aucune désir d’exhaustivité de sa part, mais la volonté précieuse de mettre en lumière le travail accompli, les risques encourus et le dévouement de tous. Un livre sobre et efficace, dont on espère qu’il motivera d’autres acteurs de ces opérations extérieures à partager leurs expériences avec le plus grand nombre…

15 mars 2014 par Youssef - webdo.tn

L’Armée algérienne a annoncé avoir abattu, hier, vendredi 14 mars 2014, sept terroristes dans la région de Tébessa, selon un communiqué du ministère algérien de la Défense. Des terroristes qui étaient en provenance du territoire tunisien cherchant probablement à fuir Jebel Chaâmbi.

Mais pris en étau par les forces algériennes lors des violents accrochages qui ont opposés la Gendarmerie soutenue par l’armée et les terroristes, ces derniers auraient tenté de repasser les frontières vers la Tunisie.

Parmi les sept terroristes abattus, le ministère Algérien de la Défense annonce la mort d’un dangereux individu activement recherché en Algérie et en Tunisie. Il s’agit de Khaled Chaieb alias Lokman Abou Sakhr.

Ce dernier est l’objet d’un avis de recherche qui avait diffusé le 9 janvier dernier par le ministère de l’Intérieur tunisien, mettant en garde contre le terroriste, impliqué dans l'assassinat des soldats et des gardes nationaux tunisiens.

D’après le ministère de l’Intérieur, il s’était infiltré dans la ville de Kasserine après avoir été longtemps retranché à Jebel Chaâmbi où les opérations de ratissage se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu.

Si sa mort est confirmée par l’armée algérienne, cela confirmerait que les mouvements vers l’Algérie, d’éléments terroristes cachés à Jebel Chaâmbi s’intensifient alors que l’Algérie est aux portes d’une élection présidentielle.

Lors de l’opération d’hier, sept armes de type Kalachnikov, deux véhicules touristiques, 3500 cartouches de différents calibres, des moyens de communication et de vision et des grenades ont été récupérés. "Cette opération intervient suite à l’exploitation d’informations faisant état de mouvements de terroristes dans la soirée d’hier et qui ont été localisés, encerclés et éliminés", précise le ministère algérien de la Défense.

Depuis le déclenchement des événements de Jebel Chaâmbi, les Algériens opèrent un strict contrôle et des ratissages minutieux à la frontière avec la Tunisie afin de prévenir toute infiltration d'éléments terroristes vers l'Algérie.

le 15 Mars 2014 koaci.com

Gabon - Quarante-huit soldats Gabonais ont été envoyés jeudi à Bangui pour compléter les effectifs des soldats Africains de la Mission internationale de soutien à la Centrafrique (MISCA)

Les quarante-huit soldats Gabonais ont embarqué par vol spécial depuis la base de l’armée française stationnée à Libreville, en direction de Bangui, capitale Centrafricaine afin de compléter l’effectif de 500 soldats Gabonais déjà présents en Centrafrique.

La cérémonie officielle avant le départ des soldats s’est tenue en présence du Général d’armée Jean-Claude Ella Ekogha, chef d’état-major général de l’armée gabonaise, du ministre gabonais de la Défense nationale, Ernest Mpouho Epigat et de l’ambassadeur de France au Gabon, Jean François.

Ce contingent Gabonais devra remplacer la cinquantaine de soldats Gabonais dont la mission est arrivée à terme. Ces soldats Gabonais qui rejoindront les rangs de la Misca en RCA est prévue pour une durée de six mois.

March 5, 2014. By Yves Pagot - Defence Watch Guest Writer

Editor’s note: As part of its ongoing coverage of the CF-18 fighter aircraft replacement, Defence Watch has published a number of articles from authors supporting various aircraft. This week Defence Watch will be running a three-part series that looks at the Rafale filling the role as Canada’s next fighter jet. It is written by Yves Pagot, PhD
ParisTech Institute, and a
reservist in Armée de l’Air. (i.e. reservist with the French Air Force, he is in a parachute unit). Pagot notes that he does not have any connection to Dassault or the firms involved in the Rafale production.

Factor 3 : Compatibility and Weapons Capacity.

As stated above, Rafale can carry any NATO standardized weapon (although some are not integrated yet for the French air force, there is no technical difficulty to it). Considering its “French ecosystem” as a requisite is a false opinion as stated above. It would be much more interesting to evaluate which original weapons Rafale would bring to CAF.

First, the Meteor missile is a Ramjet missile and the most modern, lethal, air-to-air weapon in the NATO arsenal. The upcoming AMRAAM missile latest version will have a near similar range (above 100 Kms), but with a much smaller No Escape Zone (NEZ). Missile manufacturer MBDA is also working on integrating the Meteor on the F-35 so there can be no incompatibility argument. The Rafale is one of the earliest adopters and will have it deployed ahead of the F-35 or Eurofighter Typhoon, which is only beginning testing this year.

Second, the MICA missile (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien or interception and aerial combat missile). This missile has both IR and EM capabilities, and a unique IR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities which the Sidewinder 9X Blk2 is only trying to match. Its relatively small size and thrust vectoring make it a very agile missile, with a range of 500m to 65+ Km. It is a “fire and forget” missile with LOAL (Lock After Launch) and can be shot “over the shoulder” (rearwards). In 2010, MBDA stated a remarkable 93% successful shots out of 240 trials11. An over the shoulder fire of MICA on a target illuminated by a second Rafale (third party targeting) was demonstrated in 200724. MBDA is presently developing a Mica “NG” missile which, using the same body, that will offer more range, a dual boost engine dramatically increasing NEZ and even more precise seekers25. It should also bring a new datalink capability allowing a buddy plane to guide the missile independently from the shooting plane (presently it is needed to guide the missile via the shooting plane datalink)

Third, the AASM SBU38 (Smart Bomb Unit) “HAMMER.” Probably (although expensive) the most advanced NATO Air-to-Ground weapon-so much so, that it’s amazing capabilities saw NATO dub it “The Magic Weapon” during the Libyan conflict. The HAMMER is a kit added to Mk 82 250 Kg bombs consisting in a rocket propeller and a guiding system. The guidance system comprises INS/GPS, INS/GPS Laser or INS/GPS Infrared options. It has off-boresight capabilities (it can be shot at 50 Km from the target at medium altitude and 15 Km of the target during very low penetration flight). Using it, a Rafale is able to destroy six different ground targets across a wide area simultaneously. The HAMMER is advertised by its manufacturer in 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 Kg versions36.

Fourth, the SCALP/Storm Shadow Long Range Stand Off Munition (LRSOM) “cruise” missile. France’s Rafale is the first of the latest generation fighter jets to qualify and use this long-range cruise missile in combat. It was successfully deployed during the French Air Force’s “first-in” missions in Libya, taking out critical targets. The Typhoon is only commencing initial tests this year and from an interoperability perspective, it is also to be incorporated into the F-35 a number of years from now.51

Rafale can also come with Reco NG dual band reconnaissance pod (known as AEROS for export), allowing extremely sharp images to be transmitted in real time via a highly directional broadband datalink. It is capable of blending images from near IR and visible bands to create very high resolution 3D images, even from very long distances35.

Several other European weapons are qualified for the Rafale: Exocet antiship missile, ASMP-A nuclear ramjet missile (although this won’t be available for export, it demonstrates the capability of the plane to resist nuclear electromagnetic flash). The nuclear mission of the Rafale is a testimony to penetrate heavily defended enemy areas.

Finally, Rafale can be refueled using the “probe and drogue” method already used by RCAF, avoiding a costly adaptation of the CC150 Polaris refuellers. This technique was quoted in a US report to congress as more efficient for fighter refueling as it allows to refuel two planes simultaneously19. It is of note that the Rafale also has a “buddy-to-buddy” refueling capability, allowing it to perform even longer range missions in the absence of a refueller.

Factor 4 : Sensors and Situational Awareness

Apart from stealth (to be discussed further), the sensor suite and data fusion is described by Lockheed as one of the main features of the so called “5th Gen.” aircraft. And they are right – in a US context. Amongst “4th Gen.” US aircrafts, only the future (if ordered, otherwise the production line will shut down in 2016) FA/18 “Advanced” Super Hornet will feature a sensor fused display, as this is more or less a common feature to “Eurocanards”.

Aboard Rafale, data from all sensors, Radar, Front sector optronics (FSO), Electronic Warfare suite (SPECTRA), IFF (identify friend or foe), IR MICA missiles and datalinks are merged into a clear unified visual symbolism on situational awareness display9. This capability was highly praised in a recent test evaluation by Vianney Riller Jr, who has also flown latest versions of F-18 E/F and SAAB Gripen9. Besides all subsystems are virtualized and independent, the heart of the system is the MDPU (Modular Data Processing Unit), composed of 19 LRUs (line replacement units), each of them 50 times more powerful than previous generation aircraft computers. The architecture of the system allows flawless upgrade of processors, and a second bay is provisioned to receive another MDPU. This type of architecture also eases maintenance and upgrades of the whole combat system. The system is able to “create” tracks using fragmented data from several sensors.

Visualization can be integrated into the tactical head level display, an original feature with its screen collimated to infinite in order to prevent vision accommodation delays between the screen and the HUD/pilot outer vision. Virtually every sensor including “plugged ones” like a reconnaissance pod or Data sent from JTACs (Joint Tactical Air Controllers) will be fused in the tactical presentation given to the pilot.

On the subject of displays, Rafale is available with a fully-integrated helmet-mounted display developed by Thales, although the French forces have not ordered it as yet.53

Rafale’s sensor suite includes:
· RBE2 AA radar. It is a state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar composed of roughly 1,000 GaAs modules 12. It incorporates an original “cloud concept” architecture allowing future GaN made modules and conformal antennas to be added without changing the overall architecture of the radar14. With an average input power of 10 kW, it s described as very similar to F-18 E/F AN/APG 79 radar in terms of technology and maturity22. Although its exact range is classified, the “Centre d’Expériences Aériennes Militaires” (CEAM, the unit qualifying new materials), stated several times that the range was “doubled” as compared to the previous PESA radar. Dassault’s CEO, Eric Trappier, once stated “more than 200 Km.” It is able to track 40 planes or other targets and engage eight of them simultaneously within a 140° angular domain15. It features a “non cooperative” identification system and can generate high resolution Synthetic Aperture maps40 and comes with an automated supplementary follow-ground terrain mode.

· OSF-IT Front sensor optronics. The OSF posseses a powerful TV channel allowing the pilot to identify a target at more than 50 Km. This function is particularly useful, with very restrictive engagement rules. The system also features a laser telemeter.

· IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) the proposed version of Rafale (F3R) features latest IFF (mode 5/S);

· Three Laser Warning Receivers covering 360° around the plane, with angular location of laser emitter capabilities;

· Infrared Search and Track (IRST). This is accomplished through a combination of systems. Détecteur de Départ de Missiles Nouvelle Génération (“DDM NG” or new generation missile departure detector) comprises two “fish eye” passive imaging infrared detectors. These are more than just a missile approach warning system (MAWS). Their high level of accuracy for IR threat detection contributes to comprehensive situation awareness in a similar manner to F-35 EODAS9,16 with a 360-degree spherical coverage. In fact they are precise enough to be compatible with the future use of DIRCMs (Direct Infrared Counter Measures). The infrared versions of the MICA missiles are also integrated into the situational awareness picture providing a far IR channel together with or independent of the targeting pod. The MICA IR sensors provide full IR capability throughout the duration of the mission as the sensors do not rely on short-duration nitrogen canisters for cooling, as do most U.S. infrared missiles.

· Three Radar Warning Receivers. These three antennas (120° coverage each) are located on the tail fin base and canard roots. These systems use interferometry calculation methods in order to locate threats allowing a less than 1° accuracy and over a 200 Km range 15,17. This precision allows them to passively (without using active sensors) give firing solutions. During ATLC 2009, they were able to locate radars that had stayed unnoticed to a specialized aircraft configuration, F16 CJ20.

· The three latter sensors are part of the famous “SPECTRA” EW suite, which is also capable of self learning (and real time deeding its own threat databank) and ELINT/SIGINT tasks using recorders.

Factor 5 : Stealth and SPECTRA.

In the early’80 s, the DGA (French procurement agency) and Armée de l’Air started studied the self protection system of the future combat aircraft.

Future threat analysis as well as cost considerations (acquisition and maintenance) led to a compromise between high kinematic abilities and the different parries to theses threats.

· Preventive avoidance led to full spectrum signature reduction features, automatic very low altitude and very high-speed terrain following ground system and adaptation of pathways using a sophisticated mission preparation system.

· In-flight detection of threats and adapted course change, allowing real time adaptation of preventive avoidance.

· Avoidance by neutralization – jamming, decoying and ultimately destroying threats.

Whole Spectrum Signature reduction measures are obtained by several means, mostly classified, some documented. In the IR spectrum for example (heat detection), there is a supplementary cool air channel around the engine exhaust. In the radar spectrum, extensive use of composites (1/3rd of the plane mass, 70% of the wet surface (that is roughly to the same extent as the future Pak-Fa Russian fighter)), and RAM coatings, presence of serrated “saw-tooth” patterns on canards and wing trailing edges, as well as inside air intakes. Instead of deflecting incoming radar waves to an angle away from the emitter, they are channeled towards “spike” points heavily treated against reflection. Dassault engineers do not claim their plane to be “stealthy”, but very discreet or “sneaky.” All in all, the Rafale has a radar cross section reduction by 20 times compared to the Mirage 200015.

Avoidance of known threats is obtained either by mission planning (and the data will appear on the tactical display) or in real time, via Link 16 or detection by any of the plane sensors. In the latter cases, SPECTRA is able to propose actions vs. emerging threat, be it bypassing via recommending a new route to the pilot in order to avoid lethal areas (sophisticated enough to take into account the characteristics of the threat and topography), jamming, decoying or destroying the threat.

Here lies the origin of the SPECTRA concept, which most modern EW suites are only now emulating. Far from being a simple “situation Awareness” suite, SPECTRA is capable of offensive actions. It has 3 AESA highly directional jamming antennas allowing deception jamming. The possible types of jamming involved have been extensively discussed on the net and are highly classified. We know it uses a DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory) chain and “intelligent” jamming instead of “brutal jamming”. False range targets, velocity gate pull-off, and narrow band Doppler noise created by using digital RF memory (DRFM) are the common coherent EA techniques which can be used effectively against LPI radars23. Simply put, it is able to feed enemy radar with wrong data about presence, location and number of planes. It acts as an illusionist instead of using noisy, blinding “projectors” (“broadband white noise jammers”). Furthermore, depending on conditions, SPECTRA is able to detect and localize potential threats accurately enough to allow a shooting without using active (detectable) sensors. Some interesting results nevertheless leaked to specialized press, here are some:

· While flying over Libyan air defenses (before the Libyan air defense system was suppressed by tomahawk salvo), Rafales planes “poofed” from enemy radars31.

· During NATO Mace XIII exercise in Slovakia, a Rafale B flew unmolested over a S300 radar (and was the only type engaged in the exercise able to do it)21

· During Joint warrior 2013-1 exercise, rumours say SPECTRA literally gave headaches to Eurofighter’s Captor M radar, preventing it from tracking visible and detectable Rafales.

· During his test flights in 2012, DefesaNet test pilot Vianney Riller Jr. could shoot, entirely relying on aircraft passive sensors, a plane attacking him in his 6 o’clock position from way over 10 NM. At the moment, as far as I know, Rafale is the only operational plane able to perform such a shot.

· In a 2011 technical presentation brochure at Le Bourget, “virtual stealth technology” is stated27.

SPECTRA is completely integrated to the airplane (and will react differently according to the plane configuration). This is a very important feature as the suite wasn’t added to the plane like a jamming pod would, but was designed for the plane as a coherent system (with exact radar behavious, IR signatures and loads in mind).

This advanced, integrated EW capability is another area where the Americans are actually playing catch-up. The Rafale is the only aircraft delivering this advanced combat capability on the market today. The Boeing EA-18G Growler, the electronic warfare variant of the F-18 Super Hornet, will only be getting this capability in a next generation external jamming pod from Raytheon on 2020. In order to have the air-to-air, air-to-ground AND EW capabilities at once, you need to fly both the SuperHornet and Growlers – two jets compared to one Rafale.48

In conclusion, instead of relying completely on a stealthy shape, Rafale relies on a smart avoidance system and highly sophisticated sensor suite, real time mission planning and top end AESA jammers. It is noticeable that in 2014, a Rafale demonstrator will fly with gallium-nitride (GaN) made SPECTRA antennas, a world first, demonstration the involvement of French state in constantly upgrading the aircraft. Again, this will be six years ahead of the Growler getting that capability and only promised on the F-35.48

Part 3 runs Friday morning.

1- http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/questevalfin-finquesteval-eng.html
2- http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-to-finalise-rafale-deal-this-fiscal-year-air-force-official-433663
3- http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/01/07/why-canada-should-buy-the-saab-jas39-gripen-e-next-generation-fighter/
4- http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html
5- http://vanguardcanada.com/mission-satisfaction-rafale-offers-proven-capability/
6- http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/la-demo-2013/
7- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/combat-ready-53125/
8- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/
9- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10893/Shooting-Down-an-Aggressor-on-My-Six–Vive-la-difference-/
10- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioTTnjxNc7o
11- http://www.ffaa.net/weapons/mica/mica_fr.htm
12- http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/sponsors/sponsor_rafale/img/fox3_11.pdf
13- http://wayback.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf
14- http://www.textbooks.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416132257&o=int&prev=si
15- AWST 7/5/1999 ; Vol 151 issue 1 p48
16- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/ddm_ng_ds.pdf
17- https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/spectra
18- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/le-rafale-f3r-sur-les-rails.html
19- http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32910.pdf
20- http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/12/carton-plein-pour-le-rafale-lors-dexercices-aux-emirats.html
21- http://ultimaratio-blog.org/fr/archives/5749
22- Air&Cosmos 2150, Dec 5th , 2008
23- http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA456960
24- http://www.cesa.air.defense.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=309
25- Air et Cosmos 2355, April 19th , 2013 p. 28
26- http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Libye-quand-un-Rafale-fait-les-35-heures_a296.html
27- https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9s7kezdf51vaij/specs%20rafale.jpg
28- http://theflyingmen.over-blog.com/t%C3%A9moignage-un-pilote-de-rafale-au-dessus-du-mali
29- http://theaviationist.com/2014/01/15/rafale-operate-uss-truman/
30- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
31- http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/FoxThree_Fox15.pdf p.9.
32- https://www.dropbox.com/s/or11ml8j6ckyu5l/AvionJSFAnalysMd-Nrc080909-copie-1.jpg
33- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10379/Rafale-avanca-na-conquista-de-sucesso-comercial/
34- http://www.journal-aviation.com/actualites/25635-le-rafale-sort-l-artillerie-lourde#
35- http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8652/recoq.jpg
36- http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran/defense/defense-aeronautique/systemes-d-armes/aasm/
37- AWST Jan 20th, 2014, p29
38- http://www.air-cosmos.com/defexpo-2014-uk/rafale-looks-to-the-future.html
39- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/visite-de-le-drian-au-merignac-des.html
40- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfeyRsCIUAAkADx.jpg
41- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
42- https://www.dropbox.com/s/v22glx28nisgvt6/DutchAirForceAssociation_Gripen_2009.pdf
43- http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,186349,00.html
44- http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/pentagon-downgrades-jet-specs/
45- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F11%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-1.html&langpair=fr|en
46- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F12%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-2.html&langpair=fr|en
47- http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140202/NEWS04/302020005/Air-Combat-Command-s-challenge-Buy-new-modernize-older-aircraft
48- AWST February 17, 2014, p42 « Fast and Furious : Pivot to Pacific propels the need for upgraded and agile electronic-warfare systems »
49- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=2
50- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=1
51- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/Storm-Shadow_ds.pdf
52- http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/04/f-35-needs-f-22-acc-says/
53- https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/G00974_TopSight_v3web.pdf

March 5, 2014 By Yves Pagot Defence Watch Guest Writer

 

Editor’s note: As part of its ongoing coverage of the CF-18 fighter aircraft replacement, Defence Watch has published a number of articles from authors supporting various aircraft. This week Defence Watch will be running a three-part series that looks at the Rafale filling the role as Canada’s next fighter jet. It is written by Yves Pagot, PhD
ParisTech Institute, and a
reservist in Armée de l’Air. (i.e. reservist with the French Air Force, he is in a parachute unit). Pagot notes that he does not have any connection to Dassault or the firms involved in the Rafale production.

During the last months, three interesting articles were released on this blog about incoming replacement of Canada’s CF-18. One was touting Gripen as the right choice for Canada, the other questioning the value of the F-35 as a candidate for Canada’s new fighter and the third, waves the F-35 flag. Interestingly, all dismiss Dassault’s Rafale for the wrong reasons:

Firstly they said that Rafale is not compliant with many US weapons and operations; secondly that there is only one operator, and third, they continue to lump the Rafale into the “legacy” or “4th Gen.” arena. I would like to debunk these urban legends.

Rafale already use several several air-to-ground US-made weapons (GBU 12, 24, 49, as well as unguided weapons). More importantly, its weapon bus is fully compliant with NATO Stanag 3910/1553.

Therefore, there is no technical hurdle to integrate any NATO weaponry. Furthermore, during operation “Harmattan” in Libya (Canada called it Operation Mobile – later Operation Enduring Freedom under NATO), French armed forces used the Raytheon wireless system to integrate GBU 49s on their Rafale.

France isn’t involved in the F-35 program, therefore the French armed forces have no plan “B”. Considering the strategic willingness of France as a permanent member of UN Security Council (and the inclusion of the Rafale as a nuclear vector is this scheme), it will be maintained as a high-end aircraft.

Recently, many positive signs emerged indicating a probable quick conclusion to the long and complex MMRCA contract negotiations, in which India will buy 126 (+63 options) Rafales2. Already 1 billion euros has been provisioned in the French budget to implement the next F3R standard incoming in 2018 (contract announced the 10th January), and a fifth production tranche was announced18. All in all, the Rafale’s future looks quite bright.

What are Canadian operational requirements? They are detailed in the Request for Information document issued by the government1.

Although this document is way too long to be fully addressed here, six main missions are cited: Defensive Counter Air (DCA), Offensive Counter Air (OCA), Strategic Attack, Close Air Support, Land Strike, Tactical Support to Maritime operations (TASMO) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

Two main strategic situations emerge:

· Defense of sovereignty, be it in Air, -Land or Sea. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll include a strategic “hit back” (deep penetration) strategic capability here.

· Participation in offensive missions within a coalition.

Canada’s specific geography (huge size, remote areas and cold environment) dictates some of the plane characteristics:

· It must have a long range, persistence and reliability;

· In flight refueling is mandatory and buddy-to-buddy refueling desirable;

· Time-to-target considerations above long distances make supercruise capability very important;

· Dual engines for reliability offer resistance to the “goose factor” (ingestion of a bird by an engine) and resilience against combat damages;

· Due to the possible duration of missions, a twin-seater version is preferable.

I’ll use the very same order as was already used about Gripen aircraft at the previous Defence Watch postings3. I will emphasize Rafale advantages as pro and cons of other planes have already been extensively discussed already.

Factor 1 : Cost

Many incorrect price figures have been seen in press (including French press), but recently, the actual fly away official cost was released on the French Senate site4. These prices include VAT. For export, the fly away cost is 57.5M euros ($83M CAD) for the C variant and 61.9 Meuros for the B variant (twin-seater).

The Cost of Flight Per Hour (CFPH) was $19,000 CAD during war operations in Mali and should be lower during peace time5.

Dassault is ready to fully open the technology to Canada, even source codes, letting thus Canada to modify the plane as for their will. They stated that Canada would be able to fully produce the aircraft, and even that some of the Falcon production line could be moved to Canada5. This is an important point for sovereignty as Canada would be fully independent (if it wishes to) from French upgrades and decide by itself for the evolution of its planes.

Factor 2 : Performance:

Kinematics :

Rafale is operationally limited to Mach 1.8 (although it reached mach 2+ during qualification tests15) and 55,000 feet which is as good or more than most considered types. Its sunning agility demonstrated during air shows is due to its engines power and its ability to sustain 9g turns, and regularly hit more than 10g during display flights6. Furthermore, a Rafale, fully loaded with 6,000 liters of external fuel in three tanks, four air-to-air mica missiles and two SCALPs (1,300 kg heavy cruise missile) is able to maintain 5.5/6g sustained turn rate7,15.

Interestingly, Rafale was flown by several independent test pilots: Chris Yeo7, David M. North15, Pete Collins8 and Vianney Riller Jr. 9. All of them highly praised its kinematic capabilities and flawless FCS (Flight Control System), but to a common reader, the most convincing proof about the aircraft kinematic capabilities is certainly a recently leaked dogfight picture where one can see a Rafale chasing a F-22 in Basic Flight Manoeuvers10.

Powered by two Snecma M88 engines with 7.5T thrust (with afterburner) each, the Rafale is capable to climb up to 40,000ft. in under two minutes and power the aircraft with an incredible payload (see below). Pete Collins, Flight International test pilot, quoted its acceleration as “brutal,” giving a value of 30 Kts. -2 with one 1250L centerline tank. M88-4E, the last iteration of the engine, is composed of 21 inline replaceable modules for ease of maintenance. The high number of Tactical Air Cycles (4,000) between inspections results in excellent availability. This modularity and ability to do so much front line maintenance without the need for a test bench essentially means there is no concept of Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) with the M88, so engines are basically never sent back for time-consuming depot level overhauls, further increasing availability.
 

Moreover, Rafale has a unique capability to automatically follow the ground using both numeric maps and SAR radar capabilities, limited at 100 feet, 540 Kts (and 5.5g)8.

Range and Supercruise:

Both are crucial capabilities for Canada considering the large size of Canadian territory. Range for obvious reason, supercruise in order to allow aircraft to reach operational zone quickly without using too much fuel. Rafale has a huge combat radius of 1,850 kms (+ loitering/fighting time) in air superiority configuration33 without refueling. Supercruise was achieved with six MICA air-to-air missiles at 1.4 Mach13.

Payload :

Rafale, with a 10 ton empty weight, can carry up to 24.5 tons fully-loaded (a world record rate for a fighter), on 14 hardpoints. Among these, five are wet/heavy weight points. This means that it is able to perform a variety of missions during a single flight from sea attack to ground attack, reconnaissance and air defense. Indeed, during the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course (ATLC) exercise in 2009, a “Red” Rafale shot six AASM “HAMMER” (air-to-ground ammunition) and three mica missiles on “Green” aircrafts in less than one minute. Recently Dassault aviation unveiled a configuration under test, with 3x2000L subsonic drop tanks, 6×250 Kg stand-off AASM bombs, 2 Meteor and 4 MICA missiles34. The FCS system is so sophisticated that it will automatically recognize loadings and adapt flight rules and limitations. This is a very important feature as the plane do not need to be reconfigured according to the mission.

1- http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/questevalfin-finquesteval-eng.html
2- http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-to-finalise-rafale-deal-this-fiscal-year-air-force-official-433663
3- http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/01/07/why-canada-should-buy-the-saab-jas39-gripen-e-next-generation-fighter/
4- http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html
5- http://vanguardcanada.com/mission-satisfaction-rafale-offers-proven-capability/
6- http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/la-demo-2013/
7- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/combat-ready-53125/
8- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/
9- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10893/Shooting-Down-an-Aggressor-on-My-Six–Vive-la-difference-/
10- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioTTnjxNc7o
11- http://www.ffaa.net/weapons/mica/mica_fr.htm
12- http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/sponsors/sponsor_rafale/img/fox3_11.pdf
13- http://wayback.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf
14- http://www.textbooks.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416132257&o=int&prev=si
15- AWST 7/5/1999 ; Vol 151 issue 1 p48
16- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/ddm_ng_ds.pdf
17- https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/spectra
18- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/le-rafale-f3r-sur-les-rails.html
19- http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32910.pdf
20- http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/12/carton-plein-pour-le-rafale-lors-dexercices-aux-emirats.html
21- http://ultimaratio-blog.org/fr/archives/5749
22- Air&Cosmos 2150, Dec 5th , 2008
23- http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA456960
24- http://www.cesa.air.defense.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=309
25- Air et Cosmos 2355, April 19th , 2013 p. 28
26- http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Libye-quand-un-Rafale-fait-les-35-heures_a296.html
27- https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9s7kezdf51vaij/specs%20rafale.jpg
28- http://theflyingmen.over-blog.com/t%C3%A9moignage-un-pilote-de-rafale-au-dessus-du-mali
29- http://theaviationist.com/2014/01/15/rafale-operate-uss-truman/
30- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
31- http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/FoxThree_Fox15.pdf p.9.
32- https://www.dropbox.com/s/or11ml8j6ckyu5l/AvionJSFAnalysMd-Nrc080909-copie-1.jpg
33- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10379/Rafale-avanca-na-conquista-de-sucesso-comercial/
34- http://www.journal-aviation.com/actualites/25635-le-rafale-sort-l-artillerie-lourde#
35- http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8652/recoq.jpg
36- http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran/defense/defense-aeronautique/systemes-d-armes/aasm/
37- AWST Jan 20th, 2014, p29
38- http://www.air-cosmos.com/defexpo-2014-uk/rafale-looks-to-the-future.html
39- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/visite-de-le-drian-au-merignac-des.html
40- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfeyRsCIUAAkADx.jpg
41- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
42- https://www.dropbox.com/s/v22glx28nisgvt6/DutchAirForceAssociation_Gripen_2009.pdf
43- http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,186349,00.html
44- http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/pentagon-downgrades-jet-specs/
45- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F11%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-1.html&langpair=fr|en
46- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F12%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-2.html&langpair=fr|en
47- http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140202/NEWS04/302020005/Air-Combat-Command-s-challenge-Buy-new-modernize-older-aircraft
48- AWST February 17, 2014, p42 « Fast and Furious : Pivot to Pacific propels the need for upgraded and agile electronic-warfare systems »
49- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=2
50- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=1
51- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/Storm-Shadow_ds.pdf
52- http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/04/f-35-needs-f-22-acc-says/
53- https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/G00974_TopSight_v3web.pdf

The Mobile Detection Assessment Response System surveys the area around the expeditionary airfield at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., on Feb. 6. (Cpl. D.J. Wu / Marine Corps)

March 9, 2014. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

The Marine Corps Times is reporting that the Corps is experimenting with a new unmanned ground vehicle that can patrol installations and detect intruders or potential enemy forces nearly a mile away.

More from the Marine Corps Times:

The Mobile Detection Assessment Response System, or MDARS, was used in late January to successfully secure an air base during the latest Integrated Training Exercise — the final predeployment workup all units conduct at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. The vehicle could be headed to Afghanistan, according to its developers, although concrete plans have not been made.

A field demonstration of MDARS began Jan. 30 at the combat center’s Camp Wilson. The vehicle successfully aided members of Marine Aircraft Group 13 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 to patrol the area immediately surrounding their airfield as a mock enemy force tried to probe their defenses.

During the first night, the vehicle was autonomously navigating around the base — by heading to predetermined waypoints — when guards in one tower detected two potential enemy soldiers, said Pat Culliton, the MDARS program manager with San Diego-based Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific.

“We were operating between two towers and one of the towers reported some activity,” Culliton said. “From the operator control station you just click a button and say go there.”

Full story here

14 mars 2014 by Marquis Seignelay · http://alliancegeostrategique.org

La mer Noire est une annexe de la Méditerranée, et plus précisément, du bassin oriental de cette dernière. Relativement isolée par son éloignement au Nord et par les détroits du Bosphore (de la mer Noire à la mer de Marmara) et des Dardanelles (de la mer de Marmara à la Mer Egée), elle a besoin d’être connectée au reste du système maritime « mondial » (selon comment s’entend la notion de « monde », les empires se concevaient « monde ») pour prospérer.

Suite de l'article

March 9, 2014. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

News release from Saab:

Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract on deliveries of the RBS 70 VSHORAD (very short range air defence system) to the Brazilian Army. The order has a value of approximately MSEK 80 and comprises deliveries of man-portable launchers, missiles and associated equipment.

First deliveries of materiel are scheduled during 2014.

The deal comprises an undisclosed number of RBS 70 man-portable launchers, Mk II type missiles, simulators, night vision equipment, a test set, maintenance tools, spares, associated equipment, and training for the weapon’s operators and maintainers. The systems are among others intended to protectBrazil’s strategic infrastructure, and would be employed in protection of major incoming events, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Summer Olympics inRio de Janeiro.

“This is very positive and it further proves the capability of the RBS 70 system which, by this contract, has been acquired by 19 countries located on all five continents. The system´s unique capabilities, reliability and very low life-cycle cost are highly appreciated by all users in different exacting environments,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saabs Business Area Dynamics.

The Saab portfolio of short-range ground based air defence missile systems comprise of the RBS 70 and the further enhanced RBS 70 NG. With the RBS 70 family, Saab offers state-of-the art systems for demanding customers investing in the future. The RBS 70 system has an impressive track-record on the market. 19 countries have procured more than 1,600 RBS 70 systems, including more than 17,000 missiles.

The new RBS 70 NG is designed to build on this success enhancing the VSHORAD capability even further. An accurate, unjammable laser-guided missile system, the RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG is unaffected by countermeasures, heat sources and clutter. The RBS 70 NG sight can be applied in a multitude of system configurations ranging from MANPADS (Man-portable air defence system) to remotely controlled and vehicle as well as ship integrated Air Defence systems. The sight is designed to be used with all existing and future generations of the RBS 70 missile family.

The various system configurations makes RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG highly suitable for static ground based air defence of important infrastructure, protection of mobile units or for event protection.

L'Union européenne n'a toujours pas envoyé de troupes pour renforcer le contingent français de Sangaris. Paris appelle ses partenaires à réagir.

14/03/2014 Alain Franco, correspondant à Bruxelle – Le Point.fr

La France est toujours seule en Centrafrique. Lancée par François Hollande en décembre 20013, l'opération Sangaris - qui a permis d'éviter de graves massacres - devait recevoir fin mars des renforts de l'Union européenne. Mais les partenaires de la France traînent les pieds, et cela inquiète Paris. "À ce jour, en dépit des contributions annoncées par quelques États européens, force est de constater que le compte n'y est pas", regrettent ainsi les ministres des Affaires étrangères et de la Défense Laurent Fabius et Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Cela fait pourtant un mois que les ministres des vingt-huit ont donné leur feu vert à une action sous la bannière européenne. Le général français Philippe Pontiès, en charge de la mission, a déjà organisé quatre conférences "de génération de force" pour trouver entre 800 et 1 000 militaires afin d'assurer la sécurité autour de l'aéroport et dans des quartiers de Bangui, ce qui libérerait des Français pour des missions hors de la capitale centrafricaine. Mais "il manque encore 150 hommes pour atteindre la pleine capacité opérationnelle", dit-on de bonne source. Ce retard a poussé Catherine Ashton à interpeller les États membres. Dans une lettre datée du 11 mars dont Lepoint.fr a obtenu une copie, la chef de la diplomatie européenne appelle ses partenaires à réagir : "Je compte sur votre soutien pour montrer notre détermination à agir en RCA et pour dépasser nos difficultés afin de préserver l'image et la crédibilité de l'Union européenne."

"Lointaine Afrique"

Las ! Cet appel est resté sans réponse. "Il nous manque de façon urgente des hommes et du matériel : un drone pour la surveillance, du génie, quatre ambulances avec le personnel, une dizaine de camions et leurs personnels, des heures de rotation aérienne...", énumère un diplomate européen. Si peu ? "Oui, mais cela suffit à empêcher le lancement de l'opération. Il y a urgence absolue. Les jours sont comptés si on veut pouvoir envoyer la force fin mars."

Le problème est double : certains pays qui ont les moyens, comme l'Allemagne ou le Royaume-Uni, rechignent à faire plus. D'autres ont fait des offres généreuses, eu égard à leurs possibilités. C'est le cas de l'Estonie et de la Géorgie. Mais vu les développements en Ukraine, et les risques qu'ils perçoivent de l'attitude du puissant voisin russe (qui occupe déjà une partie de la Géorgie), ces pays préfèrent désormais garder leurs troupes sur leur territoire, plutôt que de les voir partir dans la "lointaine" Afrique. Ce retard persistant à l'allumage empêchera les ministres de déclarer lundi à Bruxelles que tout est prêt pour la mission de l'UE en Centrafrique. Désireux de provoquer le petit sursaut nécessaire, les ministres français ont donc publié un communiqué vendredi. "L'Union européenne doit assumer ses responsabilités en matière de sécurité internationale. La France appelle vigoureusement ses partenaires à s'en donner les moyens", peut-on y lire.

15.03.2014 par Philippe Chapleau - Lignes de Défense
 

Pour remplacer le vénérable USS Ponce, l'US Navy a décidé de transformer en afloat forward staging base (AFSB) deux mobile landing platform (cliquer ici pour voir mon dernier post sur ce sujet). Ces AFSB sont présentés comme des plateformes low cost disposant d'une zone de poser pour hélicoptères, de capacités pour accueillir 250 personnes etc. 

La construction des ex-MLP3 et MLP4 et futures afloat forward staging base, a été confiée à General Dynamics qui planche toujours sur la nouvelle configuration de ces navires. Les travaux ont toutefois commencé en novembre dernier (cliquer ici pour lire un article à ce sujet et voir la photo ci-dessous).

Le premier, l'USNS Lewis B. Püller (MLP-3/AFSB-1), devrait remplacer le Ponce au Moyen-Orient; le second devrait être déployé dans le Pacifique.

La question du coût pourrait resurgir. General Dynamics a déjà bénéficié de rallonges, entre autres en juin 2013 (11,2 millions), en décembre (21,4) et le 12 mars dernier (128,5 millions) comme le montre l'avis ci-dessous:

On notera que l'avis parle toujours de "detail, design and construction".

Le montant déjà engagé pour ces trois "modifications" citées plus haut s'élève à 161,1 millions. Une somme à ajouter aux 359 millions de dollars d'un contrat de février 2012 pour le MLP-3. On a donc déjà dépassé les 500 millions, somme qui était jugée rentrer dans les critères du low cost par certains spécialistes.

14/03/2014 Sources : EMA  

Le 12 mars 2014, la frégate antiaérienne (FAA) Jean Bart a été ravitaillée à la mer par le pétrolier-ravitailleur britannique Wave Ruler. Le ravitaillement à la mer augmente de manière significative l’autonomie et la mobilité des navires de combat.

Près de 300m3(300 000 L) de gazole ont été distribués à la FAA Jean Bart pour lui permettre de maintenir sa présence en mer plus longtemps et de rejoindre à tout moment, dans l’immensité de l’océan indien, sur ordre de la Task Force (TF) 150, une nouvelle zone de patrouille.

Les accords militaires conclus entre les pays de l’OTAN permettent aux bâtiments français de se ravitailler en mer auprès des bâtiments de l’Alliance. La standardisation des procédures et des équipements est gage d’une interopérabilité qu’il est toutefois nécessaire d’entretenir par une pratique régulière car chaque ravitailleur possède ses spécificités.

Dans le cadre de la participation à l’opération Enduring Freedom, dont la France est l’un des principaux contributeurs depuis 2001, la frégate antiaérienne Jean Bart est intégrée à la TF 150 depuis le 27 février 2014. 

 Cette dernière vise à lutter contre les mouvements de groupes terroristes et les trafics illicites qui en découlent (armes, drogues) sur une zone maritime qui s’étend de la mer Rouge au golfe d’Oman en passant par la mer d’Arabie et le golfe Arabo-Persique.

L’armée devrait recevoir deux NH90 cette année et les trois derniers en 2015 - photo Composante Air

14.03.2014 lavenir.net (belga)

Les nouveaux hélicoptères NH90 utilisés par l’armée belge, plus récents, ne souffrent pas des mêmes maux que les appareils néerlandais du même type, assurent en chœur plusieurs responsables du ministère de la Défense.

Les NH90 belges ont été directement livrés au dernier standard, pleinement opérationnel (FOC), contrairement aux hélicoptères en service dans la marine néerlandaise, dont la plupart sont des versions intermédiaires, a indiqué un porte-parole de la Défense interrogé par l’agence BELGA.

Aux Pays-Bas, la ministre de la Défense, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, a indiqué mardi que les onze appareils livrés – sur un total de vingt – sont victimes de «corrosion et d’usure excessives».

Ces défauts ont été constatés après l’utilisation de l’appareil en mer lors d’une mission de lutte contre la piraterie au large de la Corne de l’Afrique et dans les Caraïbes.

La Belgique a elle aussi commandé des NH90. Huit au total, achetés en juin 2007, pour un montant de près de 300 millions d’euros: quatre en version de transport tactique (TTH) et quatre en version NFH pour à la fois succéder aux Sea King à bout de souffle et pour donner de nouvelles capacités aux deux frégates de la Marine. À ce jour, trois appareils ont été livrés: deux TTH basés à Beauvechain et un NFH servant à l’instruction du personnel au départ de l’usine d’Airbus Helicopters de Marignane (sud de la France).

L’armée devrait en recevoir deux cette année et les trois derniers en 2015, selon la Défense.