Rafale solo display to wow Crowds at Sola Airshow 2024
The organizers of the Sola Airshow have announced that the French Air and Space Force's Rafale solo display will perform at the event on June 15th and 16th, 2024. The Rafale solo display team is an ambassador of the French Air and Space Force, alongside the Patrouille de France, and is considered one of the best solo displays on the airshow circuit.
The Rafale Solo Display has won many awards at airshows, including the prestigious As the Crow Flies Trophy for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration at RIAT 2023. This year, the team will be led by the new display pilot, Captain Jean-Brice “Mimouss” Millet, who took that role from Captain Bertrand “Bubu” Butin.
Captain Jean-Brice "Mimouss" Millet is an experienced pilot with an impressive aviation background. He joined the French Air and Space Force in 2006 and earned his wings in 2009. Captain Millet flew the Mirage 2000N from BA Istres for four years, starting in 2010. After spending two years at the headquarters of the French nuclear headquarters at Taverny AB, he became a Rafale pilot in 2016 at St-Dizier AB. Captain Millet is recognized as one of the best pilots in his field and will be the Rafale Solo Display pilot for the 2024-2025 season.
Captain Millet is a member of the Escadron de Transformation Rafale 3/4 Aquitaine (Rafale Transition Squadron 3/4 Aquitaine), which is responsible for training French and foreign Rafale pilots. He will be part of the Rafale Solo Display team for the next four years, two of which will be as the demo pilot, showcasing his impressive skills and abilities to the world.
Captain Millet's performance at the Sola Airshow is expected to be awe-inspiring and leave the crowds breathless. With his talent, skill, and determination, he is sure to make a lasting impression. Don't miss out on this exciting event, as it promises to be an unforgettable experience. The Rafale Solo Display is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Rafale at La Ferté Alais 2023
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is an advanced, highly sophisticated fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation in France. Its name is derived from the French word for "gust of wind" or "burst of fire" in a military context, which reflects its powerful capabilities.
The aircraft has a twin-engine, canard delta wing design that makes it highly manoeuvrable and aerodynamically advanced. Its advanced avionics systems and sensors enable it to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in all weather conditions, day or night. It can also operate from both land and sea, making it a versatile aircraft for various military operations.
The Rafale is equipped with a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, and nuclear missiles. It can perform a wide variety of missions, including air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for modern combat scenarios.
The aircraft was developed by France for use by both the French Air Force and Navy after the nation withdrew from the multinational Future European Fighter Aircraft, which resulted in the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Rafale A demonstration aircraft first flew in 1986, and many of its internal systems, including the AESA radar, IRST sensor, and SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, have been developed locally.
Three basic versions of the Rafale are in production: the Rafale M carrier-based fighter and two land-based variants, the Rafale C single-seater and B two-seater. The aircraft has seen significant export success and is either in service or on order with several countries, including Croatia, Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Qatar, and the UAE.
French Rafales
The Rafale fighter jet is a versatile, multi-role aircraft that was first delivered to the French Air and Space Force in 2004. The first combat units declared operational capability in 2006, and since then, the Rafale has become a cornerstone of the French Air Force's fleet. The Air Force operates both the B and C units of the Rafale, with the two-seat B version initially intended for training purposes, but it has since been adapted to perform air-to-ground strike missions and has taken over the nuclear strike role from the Mirage 2000N.
The Rafale has seen extensive combat since its first deployment in Afghanistan in 2007. It was also the first combat aircraft to patrol Libyan airspace in 2011. The Rafale has proven to be a reliable and effective fighter jet in a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.
Recently, Dassault, the manufacturer of the Rafale, delivered the latest upgrade for the fighter jet to the French Air Force for testing. Known as the F4 standard, this upgrade includes a helmet-mounted display and a modern datalink system, which will enhance the Rafale's capabilities and ensure that it remains a formidable force on the battlefield for years to come.
