Monday 09jan2017 Istres: test flights Qatari Rafale started.

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.defens-aero.com/2017/01/prem ... share_auto
/
https://translate.google.com/translate? ... edit-text=

The first Rafale DQ01 of the Qatar Air Force begins its flight tests from the base of Istres

After arriving during the end of June 2016, the first Rafale for the Qatar Air Force, the DQ01, has just begun its first flight tests.

Indeed, according to our information, this Rafale took off from the air base 125 of Istres yesterday Monday, January 09, 2016, in order to begin its flight test campaign in favor of the specifics requested by the buyer.

The flight of January 09 also allowed Dassault Aviation to perform a "photo flight" in the production of official photos.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... edit-text=
has more...

[Canberra TT.18]

I thought production of the Rafales was at Bordeaux. So first flight woud have been flight from Bordeaux to Istres, or even before that.

Pieter

[Stratofreighter]

I thought production of the Rafales was at Bordeaux. So first flight woud have been flight from Bordeaux to Istres, or even before that.

Pieter

You are quite right...
http://www.wingsjournal.com/first-fligh ... gned-qatar

On June 28, 2016,
from the airport of the company Dassault Aviation had been performed the first flight of the built for Qatar Air Force fighter Dassault Rafale – the two-seater Rafale DQ (serial number DQ01).

The plane was flown to flight-test center of the French Air Force airbase in Istres, where they will continue the testing program.

[Canberra TT.18]

☺

[Alpha Kilo One]

What I don't see... Maybe stupid question.

Are they new built? Or are they ex French air force?

[Basman]

thought production of the Rafales was at Bordeaux. So first flight woud have been flight from Bordeaux to Istres, or even before that.

Pieter

The article doesn't say that this was its first flight, only that it started the first flight tests. The flight from Bordeaux might not be considered as a test flight, just a transit.

Bas

[Stratofreighter]

thought production of the Rafales was at Bordeaux. So first flight woud have been flight from Bordeaux to Istres, or even before that.

Pieter

The article doesn't say that this was its first flight, only that it started the first flight tests. The flight from Bordeaux might not be considered as a test flight, just a transit.

Bas

Sorry, edited the title/subject myself after my mistake was pointed out.

[Canberra TT.18]

thought production of the Rafales was at Bordeaux. So first flight woud have been flight from Bordeaux to Istres, or even before that.

Pieter

The article doesn't say that this was its first flight, only that it started the first flight tests. The flight from Bordeaux might not be considered as a test flight, just a transit.

Bas

Hi Bas,

Stratofreighter has changed the title of subject, because it first said first flight and not start of test flights.
I'm aware what artical says.
It was more because I was in doubt were the producation of the Rafale takes place I sent the first message.
(Dassault has facilities at Bordeaux and Istres)

Pieter

p.s. that shoud make it clear

[Stratofreighter]

Sorry, edited the title/subject myself after my mistake was pointed out.

This really should do now...
Back to topic...