Paris Air show, Rafale static display and testbed
Besides the Rafale C performing the solo display, 3 other Rafale can be seen on the static display :
- The Rafale M42 with the deadly 4 Meteor / 4 Mica Air to Air loadout + an additional Exocet Missile
- The Rafale C131 with an assymetrical GBU-24 / 3 AASM loadout + reco NG pod
- A Rafale C with 6 laser AASM
Also present are the Mirage 2000D #676 and the "ABE-NG" testbed based on a Fokker 100. The Mirage should perform the initial trials of the new Thalès Talios pod while the Fokker will replace the 3 Mystere 20 for the Rafale equipment trials. It took 5 years to modify this Fokker 100 and the early field tests should start in early 2016 with the IFF-NG and new communication systems for the Rafale. 
The ABE-NG features a reinforced front section able to carry 500 Kg of equipment like the RBE-2 AESA radar. The lower center fuselage can sustain a 1 tonne loadout and the wings have also been strengthened to carry Mica and Meteor Air to Air missiles. However, no missile can be fired as it is not the purpose of this aircraft.
Although it will primarily be used to test Rafale equipments, the aircraft is completely modular and can be adaped to assess non Rafale systems as well. Each electronic bay can be sent directly to the manufacturer (they were designed to go through the Fokker main door) so that it can install the setup to be tested. The bays are on the right side of the deck and 4 operator consoles are available on the left side. Moreover, 15 additionnal passenger seats are located at the back of the plane.Rafale News
En anglais
l'Actualité du Rafale de Dassault aviation en anglais.
Publication :
vendredi 19 juin 2015