The C137 is the first production Rafale equipped with a production RBE-2 AA (AESA). It is also the first of a kind in Europe. It is also equipped with the brand new FSO and the new DDM-NG.
This is the result of a more than 10 years sustained R&D efforts. The aircraft should undergo an 18 months period of tests and experimentations (discovery of new possibilities) before entering operational service.
Source : DSI Presse
edit, video of the C137 rool out :
While this is a milestone for Thales & Dassault, once again there are strong headwinds to overcome for the Rafale platform. There are clear indications that the negotiations with India are not going well and there is still a 50-50 chance that the Indians will throw Dassault's bid out because there are hidden costs that are now coming out as details are being thrashed out. Could end up being a big pay day for the Eurofighter.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.indianexpress.com/news/will-india-end-up-paying-more-for-rafale-fighters-/1002328/0
That's not what the chief of the Indian Air Force was reporting 2 weeks ago
ReplyDelete“The negotiations are absolutely on with Dassault Aviation,” Browne says. “We hope that at least this financial year [which runs through March 2013], we should be able to finish the negotiations and finalize the deal” for 126 Rafale fighters.
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