Rafale Solo Display: Pilot Q&A
On May 4, 2022, the two Rafale Solo Display pilots and the engine mechanic gave a talk at the Safran Museum near Paris. We spoke with “Schuss”, “Bubu” and “Param’s” to learn more about this aerobatics team, the only one of its kind in France.
- Snapshots
- Success
- At a glance
- Discovery
Captain “Schuss”
What exactly is the Rafale Solo Display?
“It’s an aerobatics team flying the Rafale multirole fighter. Our task is to represent the French air force at air shows and showcase the expertise of French fighter pilots and the French aviation industry.”
Capitaine “Bubu”
What’s special about the demonstrations flown by the Rafale Solo Display?
“We show the Rafale’s performance capabilities by making a thrilling, no-holds-barred demonstration. We’re flying at speeds of nearly Mach 1, with load factors reaching 9 or 10 G. Even as fighter pilots, we don’t experience load factors that high! So it’s a very demanding demonstration, which requires impeccable physical condition and a healthy life style.”
Did you know?
“G” stands for gravity and refers to the acceleration of a body in motion in relation to the baseline value of 1 G, which is a person’s weight on Earth. For instance, a pilot weighing 75 kilos and undergoing acceleration of 10 G will experience a weight of 750 kg in their seat. It’s worth noting that a person without any training would lose consciousness if subjected to 5 or 6 G.
Sergeant “Param’s”
What’s your experience with the M88 engine powering the Rafale?
“The M88 is a powerful engine. During demonstrations, the pilot keeps the “pedal to the metal” – meaning the throttle of course – and the plane continues to accelerate, even when banking or in a steep climb. To avoid breaking the sound barrier, or reaching a dangerous load factor, the pilot has to throttle back after each maneuver, before moving to the next one. It’s also a reliable engine that provides considerable time savings for maintenance. From us to you: congrats for all the work you’ve done on this engine!”
Rafale Solo Display pilot: a four-year term to tame the Rafale
A Rafale Solo Display (RSD) pilot is appointed for a period of four years. During the first two years, he’s coached by the previous RSD pilot. The new pilot does his own “choreography and helps choose his livery. Once the routine has been finalized, he undergoes intensive training to be ready for the upcoming air show season.
