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⏩WHAT MAKES RAFALE ONE OF THE GREATEST FIGHTERS TO HAVE EVER BEEN BUILT⏩ HOW IS RAFALE THE FIGHTER THAT CAN BEAT S400 AND S300⏩ WHY IAF IS MORE UPBEAT ABOUT RAFALE THAN F-35In recent times, a lot of literature has been produced in India and rest of the world as to which is the best fighter for the country to acquire in the face of twin threats from China and Pakistan. Some have advocated reposing faith in Russian Mig-35 and Su-35. Others have touted Gripen E as the most cost effective option that we can acquire in bulk. There are also proponents of tried and tested American Super Hornet and new kid on the block F-21. Still others support Eurofighter Typhoon as a unique air dominance platform that will hold us in good stead. Here and there you hear a voice clamouring for F-35's stealth. But I will throw light on what makes RAFALE the ideal fighter that more than meets our needs.Firstly the dissenters say that Rafale is not compliant with many US and Russian weapons and operations; secondly they point out lack of many international buyers for the jet, and thirdly, they continue to dump Rafale in the category of “legacy” or “4th Gen” fighters that is bereft of any revolutionary new features. I would like to debunk these urban legends outrightly.Rafale already uses several several air-to-ground US-made weapons (GBU 12, 24, 49, as well as unguided weapons). More importantly, its weapon bus is fully compliant with NATO Stanag 3910/1553 and can be easily configured to use Russian weapons. Therefore, there is absolutely no technical hurdle in integrating any Russian or NATO weaponry with Rafale.The fact is, during operation “Harmattan” in Libya, French armed forces used the Raytheon wireless system to integrate GBU 49s on its Rafales. Still more India is going for F3R version of Rafale which has seen new integrations like Meteor among other weapons. French govt had specifically provisioned 1 billion euros in the defence budget to implement the F3R standard which has arrived only last year. In fact, Fifth production tranche was announced in 2018 which makes Rafale’s future all in all look very bright.What are Indian operational requirements as laid down by IAF ?Although the whole document is too long to be reproduced here, six main missions come to the fore : Defensive Counter Air (DCA), Offensive Counter Air (OCA), Strategic Attack, Close Air Support, Land Strike, Tactical Support to Maritime operations (TASMO) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.Two main strategic situations emerge:⏩ Defense of sovereignty in Air, Land and Sea. For emphasis, I’ll include a strategic “hit back” (deep penetration) strategic capability here.⏩ Participation in offensive missions within a coalition.India’s specific geography (huge size, remote areas and tropical environment) also dictates some of the characteristics that fighter must possess:⏩ It must have a long range, persistence and reliability;⏩ In flight refueling is mandatory and buddy-to-buddy refueling desirable;⏩ Time-to-target considerations above long distances make supercruise capability very important;⏩ Dual engines for reliability offer resistance to the “goose factor” (ingestion of a bird by an engine) and resilience against combat damages;⏩ Due to possible long duration of missions, a twin-seater version is preferable.I will lay down some of the advantages that Rafale has with regards to the above.Factor 1 : CostMany incorrect price figures have been doing the rounds in press (including French press), but the actual fly away official cost was released on the French Senate site. These prices include VAT. As for as the export variant was concerned, the fly away cost was 57.5M euros ($83M approx) for the C variant and 61.9 euros for the B variant (twin-seater). India due to escalation factor in 2016 and an updated F3R standard paid €91.75 million per bare bones Rafale.The Cost of Flight Per Hour (CFPH) was $19,000 approx during war operations in Mali and should be lower during peace time.Dassault is ready to fully share the technology with India, even the source codes, letting the country modify the plane as per its will. They stated that India would be able to fully produce the aircraft, and even that some of the production line could be moved to India. This is an important point for sovereignty as India would be fully independent (if it wishes to) from French upgrades and can decide by itself how to evolve the plane (customising it to its electronics if the need arises).Factor 2 : Performance:⏩ Kinematics :Rafale is operationally limited to Mach 1.8 (although it reached mach 2+ during qualification tests) and 55,000 feet which is as good as it gets in actual war time environment. Its stunning agility demonstrated during air shows is due to superb power generated by its engines. It can easily sustain 9g turns, and regularly hits more than 10g during display flights. Furthermore, a Rafale, fully loaded with 6,000 liters of external fuel in three tanks, four air-to-air Mica missiles and two SCALPs (1,300 kg heavy cruise missile) is able to maintain 5.5/6g sustained turn rate.Interestingly, Rafale had been flown by several independent test pilots: Chris Yeo, David M. North, Pete Collins and Vianney Riller Jr. All of them are all praise for its kinematic capabilities and flawless FCS (Flight Control System). To a common observer, the most convincing proof about the aircraft's kinematic capabilities must have been a recently leaked dogfight clip where you can see a Rafale chasing an F-22 in Basic Flight Manoeuvers.Powered by two Snecma M88 engines with 7.5T thrust (with afterburner) each, the Rafale is capable to climb up to 40,000ft. in under two minutes with an incredible payload. Pete Collins, Flight International test pilot, quoted its acceleration as “brutal,” giving a value of 30 Kts. -2 with one 1250L centerline tank.M88-4E, the last iteration of the engine, is composed of 21 inline replaceable modules for ease of maintenance. The high number of Tactical Air Cycles (4,000) between inspections, results in excellent availability. This modularity and ability to do so much with just front line maintenance and without the need for a test bench, essentially means there is no concept of Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) with the M88. Engines are basically never sent back for time-consuming depot level overhauls, further increasing availability.Moreover, Rafale has a unique capability to automatically follow the ground using both numeric maps and SAR radar capabilities, limited at 100 feet, 540 Kts (and 5.5g).⏩ Range and Supercruise:Both are crucial capabilities for India considering the large size of Indian territory. Range for obvious reasons, supercruise in order to allow aircraft to reach operational zone quickly and quietly without using too much fuel. Rafale has a huge combat radius of 1,850 kms (+ loitering/fighting time) in air superiority configuration without refueling.Supercruise was achieved with six MICA air-to-air missiles at 1.4 Mach.⏩ Payload :Rafale, with a 10 ton empty weight, can carry up to 24.5 tons fully-loaded (a world record rate for a fighter), on 14 hardpoints. Among these, five are wet/heavy weight points. This means that it is able to perform a variety of missions during a single flight from sea attack to ground attack, reconnaissance and air defense. Indeed, during the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course (ATLC) exercise in 2009, a “Red” Rafale shot six AASM “HAMMER” (air-to-ground ammunition) and three mica missiles on “Green” aircrafts in less than one minute.Recently Dassault aviation unveiled a configuration under test, with 3x2000L subsonic drop tanks, 6×250 Kg stand-off AASM bombs, 2 Meteor and 4 MICA missiles. The Flight Control System is so sophisticated that it will automatically recognize loadings and adapt flight rules and limitations. This is a very important feature as the plane does not need to be reconfigured according to the mission.⏩Factor 3 : Compatibility and Weapons Capacity.As stated above, Rafale can carry any NATO standardized weapons (although some are not integrated yet for the French air force, there is no technical difficulty to it). Considering its “French ecosystem” as a requisite is entirely a false opinion. It would be much more interesting to evaluate which original weapons Rafale would bring to IAF.First, the Meteor missile is a Ramjet missile and the most modern, lethal, air-to-air weapon in the NATO arsenal. The upcoming AMRAAM missile latest version will have a near similar range (above 100 Kms), but with a much smaller No Escape Zone (NEZ). Missile manufacturer MBDA is also working on integrating the Meteor on the F-35 so there can be no incompatibility argument even while flying with US Forces in joint missions. The Rafale is one of the earliest adopters and had it deployed ahead of the F-35 or Eurofighter Typhoon, which only began testing it after Rafale.Second is the MICA missile (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien or interception and aerial combat missile). This missile has both IR and EM capabilities, and a unique IR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability which the Sidewinder 9X Block 2 is only trying to match. Its relatively small size and thrust vectoring make it a very agile missile, with a range of 500m to 65+ Km. It is a “fire and forget” missile with LOAL (Lock After Launch) and can be shot “over the shoulder” (rearwards).In 2010, MBDA stated a remarkable 93% successful shots out of 240 trials. An over the shoulder fire of MICA on a target illuminated by a second Rafale (third party targeting) was demonstrated in 2007.MBDA is presently developing a Mica “NG” missile which basically though having the same body, employs a dual boost engine ( dramatically increasing No Escape Zone ) and even more precise seekers. It should also bring a new datalink capability allowing a buddy plane to guide the missile independently from the shooting plane (presently the missile is needed to be guided via the shooting plane's datalink).Third is the AASM SBU38 (Smart Bomb Unit) “HAMMER". Although expensive, it is probably the most advanced NATO Air-to-Ground weapon-so much so, that it’s amazing capabilities saw NATO dub it “The Magic Weapon” during the Libyan conflict. The HAMMER is a kit added to Mk 82 (250- Kg bombs) consisting a rocket propeller and a guiding system. The guidance system comprises INS/GPS, INS/GPS Laser or INS/GPS Infrared options. It has off-boresight capabilities (it can be shot at 50 Km from the target at medium altitude and 15 Km of the target during very low penetration flight). Using it, a Rafale is able to destroy six different ground targets across a wide area simultaneously. The HAMMER is advertised by its manufacturer in 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 Kg versions.Fourth is the SCALP/Storm Shadow (Long Range Stand Off Munition (LRSOM) “cruise” missile. France’s Rafale is the first of the latest generation fighter jets to qualify and use this long-range cruise missile in combat. It was successfully deployed during the French Air Force’s “first-in” missions in Libya, taking out critical targets. The Typhoon and F-35 are integrating it only after Rafale.Rafale also comes with Reco NG dual band reconnaissance pod (known as AEROS for export), allowing extremely sharp images to be transmitted in real time via a highly directional broadband datalink. It is capable of blending images from near IR and visible bands to create very high resolution 3D images, even from very long distances.Several other European weapons are qualified for the Rafale: Exocet antiship missile, ASMP-A nuclear ramjet missile (although this won’t be available for export, it demonstrates the capability of the plane to resist nuclear electromagnetic flash). The nuclear mission of the Rafale is a testimony to penetrate heavily defended enemy areas.Finally, Rafale can be refueled using the “probe and drogue”, avoiding a costly adaptation of the IL-78 refuellers. This technique was quoted in a US report to congress as more efficient for fighter refueling as it allows to refuel two planes simultaneously. It is of note that the Rafale also has a “buddy-to-buddy” refueling capability, allowing it to perform even longer range missions in the absence of a refueller.Factor 4 : Sensors and Situational AwarenessApart from stealth (to be discussed further), the sensor suite and data fusion is described by Lockheed as one of the main features of the so called “5th Gen.” aircraft. And they are right – in a US context. Amongst “4th Gen.” US aircrafts, only the FA/18 “Advanced” Super Hornet features a sensor fused display, but this is more or less a common feature to “Eurocanards”.Aboard Rafale, data from all sensors, Radar, Front sector optronics (FSO), Electronic Warfare suite (SPECTRA), IFF (identify friend or foe), IR MICA missiles and datalinks are merged into a clear unified visual symbolism of situational awareness. This capability was highly praised in a recent test evaluation by Vianney Riller Jr, who has also flown latest versions of F-18 E/F and SAAB Gripen.Besides all subsystems are virtualized and independent. The heart of the system is the MDPU (Modular Data Processing Unit), composed of 19 LRUs (line replacement units), each of them 50 times more powerful than previous generation aircraft computers. The architecture of the system allows flawless upgrade of processors, and a second bay is provisioned to receive another MDPU. This type of architecture also eases maintenance and upgrades of the whole combat system. The system is able to “create” tracks using fragmented data from several sensors.Visualization can be integrated into the tactical head level display, an original feature with its screen collimated to infinite in order to prevent vision accommodation delays between the screen and the HUD/pilot outer vision. Virtually every sensor including “plugged ones” like a reconnaissance pod or Data sent from JTACs (Joint Tactical Air Controllers) will be fused in the tactical presentation given to the pilot.On the subject of displays, Rafale is available with a fully-integrated helmet-mounted display developed by Thales, although the French forces have not ordered it as yet. Indian Rafales will come with Israeli HMD.⏩ Rafale’s sensor suite includes:▶RBE2 AA radar. It is a state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar composed of roughly 1,000 GaAs modules. It incorporates an original “cloud concept” architecture allowing future GaN made modules and conformal antennas to be added without changing the overall architecture of the radar. With an average input power of 10 kW, it s described as very similar to F-18 E/F AN/APG 79 radar in terms of technology and maturity. Although its exact range is classified, the “Centre d’Expériences Aériennes Militaires” (CEAM, the unit qualifying new materials), stated several times that the range was “doubled” as compared to the previous PESA radar.Dassault’s CEO, Eric Trappier, once stated the range as “more than 200 Km.” It is able to track 40 planes or other targets and engage eight of them simultaneously within a 140° angular domain. It features a “non cooperative” identification system and can generate high resolution Synthetic Aperture maps and comes with an automated supplementary follow-ground terrain mode.▶ OSF-IT Front sensor optronics. The OSF posseses a powerful TV channel allowing the pilot to identify a target at more than 50 Km. This function is particularly useful, with very restrictive engagement rules. The system also features a laser telemeter.▶ IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) the proposed version of Rafale (F3R) features latest IFF (mode 5/S);▶ Three Laser Warning Receivers covering 360° around the plane, with angular location of laser emitter capabilities;▶ Infrared Search and Track (IRST). This is accomplished through a combination of systems. Détecteur de Départ de Missiles Nouvelle Génération (“DDM NG” or new generation missile departure detector) comprises two “fish eye” passive imaging infrared detectors. These are more than just a missile approach warning system (MAWS). Their high level of accuracy for IR threat detection contributes to comprehensive situation awareness in a similar manner to F-35 EODAS, with a 360-degree spherical coverage. In fact they are precise enough to be compatible with the future use of DIRCMs (Direct Infrared Counter Measures). The infrared versions of the MICA missiles are also integrated into the situational awareness picture providing a far IR channel together with or independent of the targeting pod. The MICA IR sensors provide full IR capability throughout the duration of the mission as the sensors do not rely on short-duration nitrogen canisters for cooling, as do most U.S. infrared missiles.▶ Three Radar Warning Receivers. These three antennas (120° coverage each) are located on the tail fin base and canard roots. These systems use interferometry calculation methods in order to locate threats allowing a less than 1° accuracy and over a 200 Km range. This precision allows them to passively (without using active sensors) give firing solutions. During ATLC 2009, they were able to locate radars that had stayed unnoticed to a specialized aircraft configuration, F16 CJ20.The three latter sensors are part of the famous “SPECTRA” EW suite, which is also capable of self learning (and real time deeding its own threat databank) and ELINT/SIGINT tasks using recorders.Factor 5 : Stealth and SPECTRA.In the early’80 s, the DGA (French procurement agency) and Armée de l’Air started studied the self protection system of the future combat aircraft.Future threat analysis as well as cost considerations (acquisition and maintenance) led to a compromise between high kinematic abilities and the different parries to theses threats.· Preventive avoidance leading to full spectrum signature reduction features, automatic very low altitude and very high-speed terrain following ground system and adaptation of pathways using a sophisticated mission preparation system.· In-flight detection of threats and adapted course change, allowing real time adaptation of preventive avoidance.· Avoidance by neutralization – jamming, decoying and ultimately destroying threats.Whole Spectrum Signature reduction measures are obtained by several means, mostly classified, some documented. In the IR spectrum for example (heat detection), there is a supplementary cool air channel around the engine exhaust. In the radar spectrum, extensive use of composites (1/3rd of the plane mass, 70% of the wet surface (that is roughly to the same extent as the 5th Gen Pak-Fa Russian fighter)), and RAM coatings, presence of serrated “saw-tooth” patterns on canards and wing trailing edges, as well as inside air intakes. Instead of deflecting incoming radar waves to an angle away from the emitter, they are channeled towards “spike” points heavily treated against reflection. Dassault engineers do not claim their plane to be “stealthy”, but very discreet or “sneaky.” All in all, the Rafale has a radar cross section reduction by 20 times compared to the Mirage 2000.Avoidance of known threats is obtained either by mission planning (and the data will appear on the tactical display) or in real time, via Link 16 or detection by any of the plane sensors. In the latter cases, SPECTRA is able to propose actions vs. emerging threat, be it bypassing via recommending a new route to the pilot in order to avoid lethal areas (sophisticated enough to take into account the characteristics of the threat and topography), jamming, decoying or destroying the threat.Herein lies the origin of the SPECTRA concept, which most modern EW suites are only now emulating. Far from being a simple “situation Awareness” suite, SPECTRA is capable of offensive actions. It has 3 AESA highly directional jamming antennas allowing deception jamming. The possible types of jamming involved have been extensively discussed on the net and are highly classified. We know it uses a DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory) chain and “intelligent” jamming instead of “brutal jamming”.False range targets, velocity gate pull-off, and narrow band Doppler noise created by using digital RF memory (DRFM) are the common coherent EA techniques which can be used effectively against LPI radars. Simply put, it is able to feed enemy radar with wrong data about presence, location and number of planes. It acts as an illusionist instead of using noisy, blinding “projectors” (“broadband white noise jammers”).Furthermore, depending on conditions, SPECTRA is able to detect and localize potential threats accurately enough to allow a shooting without using active (detectable) sensors. Some interesting results nevertheless were leaked to specialized press; here are some:⏩ While flying over Libyan air defenses (before the Libyan air defense system was suppressed by tomahawk salvo), Rafales planes “poofed” from enemy radars.⏩ During NATO Mace XIII exercise in Slovakia, a Rafale B flew unmolested over a S300 radar (and was the only type engaged in the exercise able to do it)⏩ During Joint warrior 2013-1 exercise, rumours say SPECTRA literally gave headaches to Eurofighter’s Captor M radar, preventing it from tracking visible and detectable Rafales.⏩ During his test flights in 2012, DefesaNet test pilot Vianney Riller Jr. could shoot, entirely relying on aircraft passive sensors, a plane attacking him in his 6 o’clock position from way over 10 NM. At the moment, as far as I know, Rafale is the only operational plane able to perform such a shot.⏩ In a 2011 technical presentation brochure at Le Bourget, “virtual stealth technology” is stated.IT CAN JAM S400 SYSTEMS.SPECTRA is completely integrated to the airplane (and will react differently according to the plane configuration). This is a very important feature as the suite wasn’t added to the plane like a jamming pod would, but was designed for the plane as a coherent system (with exact radar behavious, IR signatures and loads in mind).This advanced, integrated EW capability is another area where the Americans are actually playing catch-up. The Rafale is the only aircraft delivering this advanced combat capability on the market today. The Boeing EA-18G Growler, the electronic warfare variant of the F-18 Super Hornet, will only be getting this capability in a next generation external jamming pod from Raytheon on 2020. In order to have the air-to-air, air-to-ground AND EW capabilities at once, you need to fly both the SuperHornet and Growlers – two jets compared to one Rafale.In conclusion, instead of relying completely on a stealthy shape, Rafale relies on a smart avoidance system and highly sophisticated sensor suite, real time mission planning and top end AESA jammers. It was noticed that in 2014, a Rafale demonstrator flew with gallium-nitride (GaN) made SPECTRA antennas, a world's first, demonstrating the involvement of French state in constantly upgrading the aircraft. Again, this will be six years ahead of the Growler getting that capability and only promised on the F-35.Factor 6 Battle ProvenQuite understandably, Air Force operators tend to prefer aircraft that have shown their capabilities during war operations.The Rafale was engaged in three main war theaters: Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. During Afghanistan, it operated numerous Reconnaissance or CAS (Close Air Support) missions within the coalition, demonstrating its excellent capability to co-operate with other NATO nations.During the Libyan conflict, it was the “first in” plane, several days before suppression of Libyan defenses using massive tomahawk strikes, and used a large array of ammunition. During the first three months, Rafales accumulated 700 sorties for 3,800 flight hours, shot 182 AASM, 116 GBU and 10 SCALP. Some planes reached 35 hours of flight per week. The average availability during the conflict was 95%, with only three mechanics per plane. In Libya, the Rafale demonstrated its versatility performing a whole range of missions – air interdiction, strike, reconnaissance, air dominance within a single mission.Mali demonstrated another capability of the Rafale very relevant to India: Its capability to perform extremely long missions. In the first mission (four Rafales) flew no less than 9h41mins over more than 6,000 km. Twenty Four bombs were delivered. There’s a very interesting report (in French) of this mission described by one of the pilots. The planes took off from St Dizier (North of France), bypassed Algeria, flew over Morocco and Mauritania, delivered their weapons over Mali and finally landed in Chad.During these three operations, the Rafale demonstrated an excellent reliability in war operations, its versatility during a single mission (reconnaissance, air-to-air and air-to-ground) and full interoperability with other NATO nation aircrafts. It is noticeable that the Rafale is the only foreign fighter qualified to operate from US carriers.⏩ Why Rafale Instead of F-35 :Another critical importance is understanding India’s needs which include, both an all-altitude air-to-air superiority aircraft and a very flexible air-to-ground fighter, with a complete EW, IRST and C4ISR capability in a networked environment. What is not mentioned in International Media is most of other nations looking at the F-35 are not buying it as their sole aircraft – why? They have determined the F-35 is not one-size fits all and they are maintaining a mixed fleet, mostly to ensure they have air-superiority because this was not an intended role for the F-35 as its name implies. It is a Joint Strike Fighter – a ground attack fighter. The U.S. has the F-22 as its air superiority aircraft and without it, “the F-35 fleet frankly will be irrelevant. The F-35 is not built as an air superiority platform. It needs the F-22,” said Gen. Michael Hostage, Chief of U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command. Both the UK Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force while acknowledging the air to ground capabilities of the F-35, are still keeping their Typhoons for the foreseeable future. “The JSF does not have a high-end air-to-air capability,” according to Col. Vito Cracas, commander of the air force’s 36th Fighter Wing We need to have both aircraft.”F35 IS NOT OMNIROLE FIGHTER BUT RAFALE IS. WITH ITS ADVANCED SENSOR AND EW TECHNOLOGY, AGILITY AND OUTSTANDING WEAPONS CAPABILITY RAFALE CAN DO ALL THE MISSIONS.Factor 7 : Growth FactorThe Rafale is a constantly evolving weapon system. Since the induction of the purely air-to-air first software standard F1 (a pre-series aimed at filling the gap caused by Marine Nationale retirement of antiquated Crusaders) in 2001 (operational in 2004), the program was much developed, and in a fully retrofitable way. The French air force received its F2 Rafales, with air to ground capabilities. The induction of F3 standard in 2009 brought nuclear and anti-ship capabilities.The contract for the next standard F3R was officially awarded by French MoD Jean-Yves Le Drian. F3R standard has seen the induction of METEOR missile and the full integration of laser guided HAMMER version, developments of the AESA radar, of the SPECTRA suite as well as a new designation pod, IFF mode 5/S and a new buddy-to-buddy refueling device. Again, the coherence of the evolutions should be noted, for example the AESA radar, with an extended range allowing the use of the METEOR missile full capabilities was inducted in a compatible time frame with the development of the missile.Several studies, known as “Plan d’ Etude Amont" were undertaken to further improve the Rafale capabilities in a F4 standard scheduled around 2023. In January 2019, French Defense Minister Florence Parly announced France would commit $2.3 billion to develop an F4 generation of the Dassault Rafale. Although the exact contour of this future evolution isn’t defined, known PEAs give a good idea of how the Rafale will evolve, ranging from enhancing radar and sensor performance even further, advancing the SPECTRA EW system ahead of new anticipated threats, and continued efforts to ensure the lowest possible RCS of the Rafale.New weapons set for integration include most notably an improved model of the Mica short-to-medium range air-to-air missile, which has a range of forty-nine miles, heavier 2,200-pound variants of the AASM HAMMER, a guidance kit similar to the U.S. JDAM. Previously, the Rafale could only carry 485-pound variants of the weapon which can use either GPS-, laser- or -infrared guidance to deliver precise strikes. Unlike the JDAM, the HAMMER also incorporates a rocket-motor, allowing it to hit targets up to thirty-seven miles away when released at high altitude.The Rafale will also be modified to integrate future upgrades of the French SCALP-EG stealthy subsonic cruise missile and the supersonic ASMP-A cruise missile which carries a 300-kiloton-yield nuclear warhead. Reportedly France may develop a hypersonic AS4NG variant increasing range from 300 miles to over 660 miles.Hardly a futureless fighter as some tried to describe it. In fact, only now is the U.S. waking up to the fact that the evolutionary nature of the Rafale is a far better route than the lock-in path of physical stealth, according to Raytheon executive Michael Garcia, who recently said much of the U.S. defense community “has lost sight of reality” as to what stealth means. The “essence of stealth is that the Blue circles (for detection and weapon range) impact Red before Red can detect,” and that jamming, sensors and weapons affect that calculation … The level of RCS has not been improving … It is time-stamped with whatever date it came out of the factory.”The most important lesson for prospective buyers of the Rafale, is in the ability of Rafale International (Dassault-Aviation, Thales and Snecma) to deliver these new capabilities throughout the aircraft’s life. Through the first three tranches (or blocks), all promised capabilities have been delivered on time and on budget, from the date of contracting by the French government. That is a record unmatched by any other fighter jet manufacturer.In my sincere opinion, only the Rafale complies with all of these requirements.⏩( Adopted from AIG group. The article looks to be originally a Canadian study for the future aircraft of the country as references to Canadian topography and mid-air refuellers were left unchanged. Moreover it was dated. I have updated it and made more readable)

Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Recalling the great sayings of the spiritual leader of 19th century This was built in the year 1970 is a tribute to Swami Vivekananda who according to sayings attained enlightenment on this same rock. Besides, according to a myth it is believed that this was the rock where Goddess Kumari performed austerity. Talking about the architecture of the memorial, it is intricately designed keeping the beautifully carved temples across India in mind. Apart from housing the Shripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam, the memorial shelters a Dhyana Mandapam which is specially built for the travellers from across the globe to meditate and relax.Thiruvalluvar Statue: Remembering the famous Tamil work of an astounding artist This statue which is located some 400 metres away and is set up on a small island was a tribute to Thiruvalluvar who bestowed Tamil literature with his famous work on Secular ethics and morality. Everything about this statue denotes something, like the height of the statue which is 133 feet throws spot on the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural out of which the sculpture is 90 feet high and the pedestal is 38 foot which denotes the 38 chapters of virtue, the first book. Followed by the sculpture denoting the second and third book of the Kural text love and wealth. The statue as a whole gives out the meaning that love and wealth shall be earned and relished on the foundation of solid virtue. Apart from this the three fingers of the artist point upwards which denotes Aram(Virtue), Porul (Wealth), Inbam (Love), the three cantos of Kural text. Besides, the slight bend touch on the waist signifies Lord Nataraja and was another amazing addition to the statue by its sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati.Padmanabhapuram Palace: Embrace history and best of Kerala style of architecture There are chances that you must have heard about this abode of the Travancore rulers, Padmanabhapuram Palace. It was the Venad ruler, Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who gave Thucklay this palace dipped in Kerala style of architecture around 1601 AD. Later around 1750 not only did Padmanabhapuram Palace got a face lift but also its name which was given by King Marthanda Varma who ruled the kingdom by the name Padmanabha dasa(Servant of Lord Padmanabha) and devoted the whole kingdom to the family deity Sree Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. What might attract you on your sightseeing tour to this wooden palace are the floral carvings, murals from 17th and 18th centuries, black granite floor, pictures of Krishna, mahogany musical bow, windows of colored mica to name a few.Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the medicinal bed present in the King’s room, secret underground passages and most of all the Goddess Saraswati temple and the brass made hanging lanterns which are lit till date.Vattakottai Fort: Witness the shining sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other It was somewhere around the 18th century that Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, the commander of the Travancore army and an ex-Dutch naval officer who belonged to Dutch East India Company constructed this fort which is set amid the panoramic view of the Western Ghats on one side and the sea on the other. The reason for building this fort was to strengthen the coastal defence of the Travancore Kingdom. Vattakottai Fort is a protected site under the Indian archaeological department which was recently revamped which made it one of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari.Thanumalayan Temple: Explore and lay your hands on the phenomenal architecture . Bringing forth a calming and spiritually rejuvenating experience for all the Hindu worshippers is the Thanumalayan temple situated some 13 km away from the city of Kanyakumari. What usually pull in travellers to this famous temple of Kanyakumari is its exceptional architecture, like its finely carved sculptures and seven-storey white Gopuram which are stellar. Moreover, the temple that stands now in Suchindram was built in the 17th century and sees worshippers bowing down to laud Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma who are also a part of the temple’s name where “Stanu” refers to Siva; “Mal” to Vishnu; and the “Ayan” means Lord Brahma.Mathur Aqueduct: The longest and highest aqueduct of South Asia Carved over the Pahruli river with a strong foundation of 28 pillars is the next pick on this blog, Mathur Aqueduct which is also known as Mathoor Hanging Trough. The purpose behind this aqueduct was to carry water for irrigation from one hill to the other. The aqueduct owns its name from a village named Mathoor and is one of the most important parts of Kanyakumari. Mathur aqueduct is settled some 60 kms away from the city and is known as the highest and longest aqueducts in the whole of South Asia.Our Lady of Ransom Church: Revivify yourself and connect your soul to the almighty If you are probably enjoying at the beach and turn a little bit then you might just be pulled in by the exquisite architecture of church draped in white, Our Lady of Ransom Church. The architectural style which is portrayed by the simple stained glasswork on the doors and the windows, gold altar adorned with a statue of Mother Mary, idols of Christ, disciples and soldiers carved out intricately. It is believed that St.Thomas, a disciple of Jesus came for a visit to the area and to preach about Christianity. And since then, 50% of the state is filled with Christians.Chitharal Jain monuments: Laud the fine Jain architecture of the 9th century The village that this popular attraction was known for being the shelter of the Jain monks of the Digambara sect and was named as Thirucharanathupalli. It is believed that these monuments in the Chitharal village are the ruins of a Jain training centre that belonged to the 9th century CE. Along with this, the place is popularly known for a cave that houses rock cut sculptures of Tirthankaras and other deities. It was the Jain Tamil King Mahendravarman-I who brought with him the air of Jain influence in the area. Later in 1250 AD, it was transformed into a Hindu temple and the image of the Goddess Bhagavathy was started being idolised here. Apart from the 9 stone inscriptions that belong to this place, there are statues of 23 Jain Tirthankaras that remain untouched till date.Kumariamman Temple - Protector of Shores : This temple is 3000 years old and it is dedicated to Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. She stands on an eternal vigil protecting the shores of our country. Goddess is facing the east . Devi stands as a charming Kanya [young] girl with rosary in her right hand in penance posture. The idol is believed to have been installed by Sage Parasuraman. Nose ring of the Goddess with brilliant rubies are so glittery and it resembled a bright beacon. It is also said, that one ship sailing through, mistook it for a lighthouse and had to bang against the rocks and wreck. The mast of the wreckage was seen near the shore till the Tsunami that struck the shores in 2004. The same was washed away during that Tsunami Devastation. It is also said that, due to that sinking of that ship long ago, Eastern Gate of the temple remains closed on all days, except during the 5 festival days in a year, when the deity is taken out for a ceremonial bath. The regular entry to the temple is through the Northern Gate Only.Government Museum : his was established in 1991 as a multipurpose Museum. Good collection of sculptured arte facts and crafts of South Indian Temples can be found here. Visitors to the museum can enjoy the extensive display of exhibits which covers a diverse range of interests such as anthropology, archaeology, numismatics, philately, botany, zoology and geology that includes , a 7th century Bronze statue of Lord Nataraja; 15th century sculptures of Alwar, Manickavasagar; replica of SwamithoppuCar and whale-bones from Manavalakurichi in Kanyakumari District.Guganathaswamy Temple - Temple which holds 1000 Year Old InscriptionsThis 1000 year temple built by Raja Raja Cholan, is located near the railway station. 11th Century inscriptions can be found in the temple.Suchindram - Architectural Excellance : Sthanumalayan / Thanumalayan a Siva, Vishnu and Brahma Temple was built in 17th Century. "Stanu" means Siva; "Mal" means Vishnu; and the "Aya" means Brahma hence it is called Sthanumalayan Temple. Four Musical pillars each 18 ft tall carved out of a single stone, huge 18ft tall Hanuman Statue are proof of the architectural excellence found in the temple.Olakkay Aruvi Waterfalls : It is 8 kms from Azhagiapandiapuram, 14 kms from Nagercoil and 33kms from Kanniyakumari. It is a sceninc Water fall and a trekking Track too. There is a small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near to Olakkay Aruvi (waterfalls). On full moon day and especially on the Tamil Month Chithirai (April-May), thousands of devotees throng this place, they bathe in the falls and pray at the altar.Kamaraj Memorial at Kanniyakumari : This memorial is a tribute to K.Kamarajar, the Freedom Fighter and Identity of Congress and Administration in Tamilnadu. He is still called by all as “Perunthalaivar”. Kamarajar who was also called as ‘Black Gandhi’, was a Simple and sincere politician from Tamil Nadu, regarded as the “King Maker” of the Congress Party . He played vital roles in the administration of TamilNadu, by introducing education for down trodden and also started the Noon Meal scheme for the students to encourage attendance. Development activities like Dams and Industries in Tamilnadu took place during his rule. His contribution to the party at the National level was phenomenal. The memorial is open to public from 7 am to 7pm.Kumarakovil : It is 34kms from Kannayakumari. It is at the foothill of the Veliamalai Hills. The abode of Lord Murugan is built on a 200 feet hillock surrounded by paddyfields, plaintain and coconut groves. This temple is an example of architectural beauty. Lord Murugan is with Goddess Valli in this temple. The lake near the temple is suitable and being used for boating experience.Pechipparai Dam : It is 60 Kms from Kanyakumari. This dam was Planned and Built during 1897 – 1906. It is 1,396 ft long and 396 ft high above the deepest portion with a storage level of 40 ft. Western Ghats surround this dam and forms a picturesque view.Thirparappu Waterfalls: It is 42 Kms from Kanyakumari. It is a 300 ft water fall which has heavy water rushing down for almost 7 months in a year. There is a temple called Mahadever Kovil built around 9th Century.Nagaraja Temple : Nagaraja [Serpent God] is the presiding deity of this temple. Idols of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined here. The sculptures of Thirthankaras Mahavira and Parsavanathar are found etched on the pillars of the temple.St. Xavier’s Church : From 16Kms from kannayakumari,It is a 15th Century church dedicated to St.Francis Xavier, a Catholic Priest who came to India. A 10 day festival is held between 24th November – 3rd December every year.Udayagiri Fort : Its is 34Kms from kannayakumari.King Marthanda Varma built this in the 18th Century. The Tomb in memory of Dutch General De Lennoy , one of the most trusted Generals of the King lies within this fort.Peer Mohamed Dargah, Thuckalay : Its 35kms from kannayakumari.This dargah is named as “ Peer Mohammed Oliyullah” after the Great Philosopher Mohammed Appa, who wrote many books on philosophy. The Anniversary of the great philosopher poet is celebrated every year on the full moon day in the month of Rajab.Mandaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple : This Temple, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari, though it is in Tamilnadu, was built in kerala tradition in a simple style, which dates back to the 7th century. It is believed , His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya had performed Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. It is on this spot of Srichakra, Baghavathi Amman is in the form of 15 foot Anthill. Holy trees for this temple are Bo Tree and Neem Tree . This temple is also known as Sabarimala of Women. Mandaikadu Kodai/Koda is the most popular 10 day festival of this temple, celebrated on the last Tuesday in the Tamil month of “MASI” [ Feb-Mar].Some Beautiful Beaches to Look Up Near Kannyakumari.1. Sanguthurai Beach : It is 15 Kms from Kanyakumari, It is a beautiful beach on the West Coast Road2. Sothavilai/Chothavilai Beach: It is 12 Kms from Kanyakumari via the West Coast Road. It is one of the best beaches for holiday lovers.3. Thekkuruchi Beach : It is 30 Kms from Kanyakumari .It is a tiny village with lovely, calm and exotic Seashore on the West Coast Road.4. Thengapattinam Beach : It is 5o Kms from Kanyakumari located on the West Coast near Painkulam Village in Vilancode Taluk.5. Muttom Beach : It is 32 Kms from Kanyakumari and 16 Kms from Nagercoil. It is a majestic and rugged seashore because of its huge beautiful rock jutting out into the Sea. The waves that touches the rocks create a mystic atmosphere. The District Administration concentrates on basic infrastructure facilities.