Latest-Generation Rafale Fighter Enters French Air Force Service
by JonLake
March 7, 2023 – 11:00 am
The first Dassault Rafale multirole fighter, converted to the latest F4.1 standard, was delivered to the French Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (AAE, French Aerospace Forces) near Mont-de- Marsan passed Bordeaux on March 2nd. The Rafale B 354, designated 30-FU, is the first of two test aircraft for the ECE 1/30 “Côte d’Argent” experimental fighter squadron and will be used for the start of training.
The F4 marks a new step in Rafale iterative development, based on the F1 (specific to the French Navy’s first aircraft), F2 (air-to-surface and air-to-air capabilities) and F3/F3-R (enhanced Versatility). The development of the F3-R standard started in January 2014 and was completed in October 2018.
The F4 standard focuses on enhancing the Rafale’s connectivity through new satellite and intra-flight links, communications servers and software radios, with the goal of improving the Rafale’s effectiveness in network-centric combat and paving the way for future combat Pave Air System (FCAS). Externally there is nothing that distinguishes a Rafale F4 from a Rafale F3-R, although it marks a major technological leap, with improvements to the navigation and weapon systems, the Spectra Electronic Warfare Suite, the Talios Target Designation Pod and the RBE2 AESA Radar. The latter has been upgraded to improve effectiveness in air-to-ground mode.
A next-generation Scorpion helmet visor is integrated and new satellite communications equipment (based on the Syracuse IV network) has been installed. The F4 features a prognostic and diagnostic support system with preventative maintenance features. More maintenance optimization features are planned, especially with solutions based on big data and artificial intelligence. The Rafale F4.1 is also equipped with a new engine control unit.
New weapon options include the Mica NG air-to-air missile and up to three of the 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) AASM modular air-to-surface weapon. The latter was qualified for use on Rafale in its upgraded AASM 1000 GS GPS/inertial guidance form last December. The AASM 1000 GS guidance/propulsion kit is suitable not only for the traditional Mk 84 and BLU-109 warheads, but also for the new BA-84 and P1000 warheads being developed by the French company Aresia.
A test aircraft is launched with two AASM 1000 GS guided/boosted bombs. A third can be carried on the centerline mast. (Photo: DGA)
Development of the F4 standard began in December 2018 and Dassault Aviation was awarded a development contract by then Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly on January 14, 2019. DGA began flight testing of the F4 upgrade in April 2021, at a time when the full F4 standard was scheduled to be released in 2024, with some features becoming available in a first standard in 2022. It has been estimated that by 2030 all French Rafales in service will conform to the Rafale F4.2 standard.
A Rafale F5 standard is currently planned for deployment in 2035-2038. F5 is expected to further improve connectivity and have enhanced manned/unmanned teaming capabilities. The Rafale F5 will also be able to carry the new ASN4G hypersonic ramjet missile, ensuring the continuity of the airborne component of the French nuclear deterrent and replacing the ASMP-A missile.
Deliveries of new-build Rafales to the AAE resumed in late December after a four-year hiatus due to budgetary issues and the decision to allow Dassault to fulfill its export order commitments.