Cosmao, Cyrille Le Rafale Marine

A bord des Avions de Combat de la Marine Nationale

The Rafale Marine, which entered service with the French Navy in 2004, was developed by Dassault Aviation and is one of the most battle-proven combat aircraft in the world. As a multi-role aircraft, it can perform all missions and replace up to seven previous-generation aircraft types. It is often deployed several thousand kilometres from the mainland on the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier to take part in French military operations. After a brief introduction to the history of naval aviation, the book focuses on the current generation of Rafales in service on the aircraft carrier. It highlights the technological development of the aircraft, the avionics, the armament and maintenance in accordance with the various missions such as deterrence, air combat, sea attack, close air support or reconnaissance. Cyrille Cosimo's exceptional photos show the Rafale and its personnel in all operational phases: maintenance and repair, load management, catapult launches, flights and manoeuvres, landings on the aircraft carrier... The roles of the men and women on board the aircraft carrier are described in detail, with previously unknown explanations of the logistical challenges, team synchronisation and safety requirements. These different perspectives open up a completely unknown world to the reader and provide an insight into the adventure and commitment of the 2,000 sailors who operate the Rafale Marine on the Charles-de-Gaulle.