Highlight of PM Narendra Modi's France tour was the much awaited Rafale deal. Here are the details of the aircraft at the centre of attention.
A day after India decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition from France, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said that Rafale fighter jets will be inducted in IAF in a span of two years. The need for fighter jets in Indian Air Force fleet was dire given that it has reduced to mere 34 jest when the requirement is of 44.
Also, off-the-shelf jets mean quick delivery and quicker induction of Rafale in IAF.
The $7.2 billion deal will also prove to be a boon for Indian defence sector. About $2.3 billion will be pumped into private sector.
So here are the details of the Rafale which will strengthen Indian defence.
Dimension of Rafale - Length of the plane is 15.30 metres and the height from the ground is 5.30 metres. Wing span of Rafale is 10.90 metres.
Types - There are three different variants of the Rafale. The 'Rafale C' is a single seater jet which can be operated only from land based air-bases. Second variant is called 'Rafale B'. It is a two seater to be operated from Land bases. Third variant 'Rafale M' is a single seater and can be operated from carriers on navy fleets. The only differences in the carrier based and land based type are the arresting hooks and undercarriages.
Flight control system - Rafale are operated by 'Fly-by-Wire' flight control system. Fly-by-wire is an electronic interface which converts all flight control movements into electronic signals transmitted by wires. Hence 'fly-by-wire'. The system automatically helps stabilise the aircraft, or prevent unsafe operations beyond the performance limit of the aircraft.
Mission compass - Makers of Rafale, Dassault Aviation claim that Rafale can carry out following missions -
- Air Defence,
- Close air support,
- Dynamic targeting,
- Reconnaissance,
- Air to ground precision strike,
- Anti-ship attacks,
- Nuclear deterrence,
- Air-to-air refuelling
Multi-tasker - Terming the ability 'Omnirole' Dassault Aviation claim that Rafale can perform different tasks at the same time.
On-board Oxygen Generations System - Just like the name suggests, the system generates oxygen on-board, in turn suppressing the need to carry liquid oxygen. Less weight means lighter jet and improved speed.
Electroninc Scanning Radar - According to Dassault Aviation, Rafle is the only European fighter aircraft which uses electronic scanning radaar.The system tracks targets and generates real time 3D maps for the pilot. It also includes features like tracking multiple targets while engaged in close combat and long-range interception in all weather conditions.
Related read: Rafale deal will bring oxygen to IAF; to be inducted in a span of two years, says Parrikar
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