The slow-speed fly-past of the Rafale at 100kt is one of the highlights of the daily flying displays and manufacturer Dassault is obviously hopeful that it can stimulate interest in Asia Pacific for the multi-mission fighter.
Although French Navy and Air Force orders for 13 production aircraft have been received, with the first to be delivered later in 1998, no export orders have yet been taken.
Dassault's claim that its 'avant-garde' use of new technologies in Rafale provides for easy upgrading may appeal to potential buyers in the region whose defence budgets have suffered due to the on-going economic crisis.
So far four development aircraft have logged more than 3,500 flying hours. Along with the daily display, Dassault is featuring the Rafale multi-role mission simulator on its stand (A719). Also appearing in the flying display is one of the six Mirage 2000 RDIs brought by Dassault to the static display.
Export success with various versions of the Mirage 2000 has seen more than 580 ordered by eight air forces.
Display
Orders for some 170 Mirage 2000-5s have been placed by Taiwan, Qatar, and Dassault says it has an order from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the bag.
On static display are two of the Falcon jet family. The Falcon 2000, celebrating its third year of operational service this month, is joined by the long-haul Falcon 900EX.
Over the past couple of years Falcons have accounted for almost half of the top-end business jet market. Since the first Falcon in 1963, more than 1,200 of all types have been delivered to customers in 70 countries.
Source: Flight Daily News
