Home Aerospace Missiles First Meteor BVRAAM launched from Rafale

rafale_meteor1021 — France has performed the first launch and flight test of the 'Meteor' beyond visual range air-to-air missile from a Rafale combat jet. The missile is expected to be fielded in 2018 with the first batch of upgraded Rafale F3-R, which will also be fitted with RBE2 AESA radar and advanced Infrared Search Track system, enabling long-range engagement of hostile targets. Photo: DGA

First Meteor BVRAAM launched from Rafale

France has performed the first launch and flight test of the 'Meteor' beyond visual range air-to-air missile from a Rafale combat jet. The missile is expected to be fielded in 2018 with the first batch of upgraded Rafale F3-R, which will also be fitted with RBE2 AESA radar and advanced Infrared Search Track system, enabling long-range engagement of hostile targets.

News Desk

Apr 30, 2015

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On 28th April 2015, teams from the French Ministry of Defence, Dassault Aviation and MBDA carried out the first guided firing of the long-range Meteor missile against an air target from a Rafale combat aircraft. The test flight followed earlier missile separation trials carried out on the rafale in 2013 and 2014. The recent firing was performed from a two-seat variant over the DGA missiles test range in Biscarosse near Bordeaux. The recent firing represents an important milestone in the integration of Meteor onto the Rafale in line with the development of the aircraft in the next Rafale F3-R standard. The first Meteor missiles will be delivered as of 2018 to equip the Rafales of the French Air Force and Navy.

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