Rafale squadron on USS Truman
- Thread starter sunny91
- Start date
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Matt308
Glock Perfection
The french sure build some pretty planes. Wonder why they can't sell them overseas. I just read that India has rejected the Rafale for their fight competition.
Arsenal VG-33
Senior Airman
The Rafale has performed "touch and Go's" on the USS Stennis, Eisenhower, and now the Truman. USN F-18s have done the same with the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. It's all part of an exercise designed to have NATO aircraft and pilots familiarize themselves with other country's carriers. As far as I know, only French and US carriers utilize the CATOBAR system, though the Brazilian Sae Paolo ( ex-French Foch) also has it. The future UK carrier will also have CATOBAR.
Matt - The biggest obstacle to Rafale sales is it's high price tag. Though Dassault Aviation has improved it's sales pitch over the past few years, an impasse was reached with the Indians on two issues: 1- India wanted much more technology transfer than France would have liked, and 2- India insisted the deal include France buying back old Mirage aircraft.
Right now, Switzerland and Oman seem to be two possible buyers. I hope the Swiss buy it.
Matt - The biggest obstacle to Rafale sales is it's high price tag. Though Dassault Aviation has improved it's sales pitch over the past few years, an impasse was reached with the Indians on two issues: 1- India wanted much more technology transfer than France would have liked, and 2- India insisted the deal include France buying back old Mirage aircraft.
Right now, Switzerland and Oman seem to be two possible buyers. I hope the Swiss buy it.
Matt308
Glock Perfection
I think you are right on. It also included indigenous manufacturing of either kit parts or wholesale. India, China, Brazil and other fighter markets are only willing to buy if they can develop their own fighter manufacturing basis.
No different than F-35 Tier I, Tier II and Tier II participants.
No different than F-35 Tier I, Tier II and Tier II participants.
renrich
Chief Master Sergeant
Don't you know those French pilots feel some pressure performing in front of the USN.
Matt308
Glock Perfection
Yeah the guy who got a bolter was probably really pissed of at himself, dontcha think.
But then again, imagine the self imposed pressure on the US pilots. They missed a few traps too!
But then again, imagine the self imposed pressure on the US pilots. They missed a few traps too!
pbfoot
1st Lieutenant
landing on that huge deck was probably pleasant for them but to even it out landing on a dry ship wasn't pleasant
renrich
Chief Master Sergeant
I thought maybe they were doing touch and goes. Good point PB about the dry ship, although there may have been a taste or two available in a clandestine manner.
