French military aviation's sole presence in the flying display is the naval version of the Dassault Rafale, flown by chief test pilot Yves Kerherve.
He made the first flight of the carrier-capable Rafale in December 1991 and is still in love with the aircraft.
"It is a wonderful experience to present the Rafale in the air," he says.
An experienced naval aviator, Kerherve flew Eterndard aircraft before graduating from the French test pilots school in 1977.
Trials
He has been involved in carrier trials of both the Dassault Super Etendard and Rafale aircraft.
Carrier trials of the Rafale have now been completed, he says. "Unfortunately they are over - they were a lot of fun".
Comparing the Rafale with its predecessor, Kerherve says: "In terms of handling and power the Super Etendard is very far from the Rafale.
"The angle of attack on approach in the Super Etendard is 14.5o but you get severe problems at 15.5° , the margin is very narrow.
"In Rafale the angle of attack is 16° but it can fly easily at 30° . Deck landings in the past were very stressful for the pilot. Now [in the Rafale] they are easy."
The naval Rafale is due to go into production in 1998 and enter squadron service two years later.
Source: Flight Daily News
