Rafale HOTAS Question

[walker450]

Does anyone know details on the Raafle HOTAS?

 

Are the throttle and stick both force-sensing?

 

Here is a pic taken from here:http://bower99.blogspot.com/2010/11/dassault-rafale.html

 

 

The throttle appears to be stationary...

 

EDIT: I answered my own question...

 

I found this video:

 

It shows the pilot moving the throttle, so it is not force sensing... It is interesting that the single throttle controls both engines. It does look like the stick is force sensing with only a small amount of travel (probably a similar story to the F-16).

Edited December 17, 2012 by walker450

[Madone]

Hi, glad to see that you're interested by our Rafale :) The pilot said there was just a little travel on the stick but I guess there's a force sensing on it, otherwise it would be too much inaccurate. Also there's 13 buttons on it, the hat for the Trim, the trigger, designation systems and radar controls.

The throttle has a little travel as well, the sound that you can hear when moving forward is the PC position. 24 buttons on it, airbrakes, radar, radio comms,...

At the end of the vid, the officer explains that it's an easy and "cheap" aircraft to maintain. This increases the disponibility.

[walker450]

I think "DCS: Rafale" would be a great addition... with carrier ops of course! :)

 

I really like the cockpit and HOTAS layout!

[Madone]

Don't tease me with a DCS : Rafale ^^, for carrier, it would be the M version then. The HOTAS is similar with the F16 one, but with more controls on the throttle, also I really like those touch screens!

[Sov13t]

holy $ it's crammed in there... wow.

[Cookie]

Beautiful aircraft. That cockpit sure does look like a very tight fit though.

[Madone]

Yeah lol, I'm still wondering how the ejection seat can go off without jamming the legs in the front console XD. The seat is leaning to 29°, maybe it helps, but the primary purpose is the comfort in a high G turn.

[walker450]

Beautiful aircraft. That cockpit sure does look like a very tight fit though.

 

Looks very similar to the Viper pit to me:

[Agg]

But the Viper seems to be more "roomy", I have'nt had the pleasure of sitting in a Rafale, but from the video it does look like a tight fit. Beautiful machine nonetheless, and always puts on a very impressive display at airshows.

[Madone]

Yes the shapes and the HOTAS disposal are really similar with the Viper, but that's only esthetic, the competuring, instruments are totally differents of course. The close-coupled canard help so much to increase the manoeuvrability (especially at low speed), the Mirage 2000 was less impressive at airshows because of that.

[walker450]

Yes the shapes and the HOTAS disposal are really similar with the Viper,

 

I was only referring to the "tight fit" of the cockpit when comparing the Rafale to the Viper. :)

 

It appears both cockpits are very compact but the real test would be to try each one out in real life.

 

PS: I really enjoyed this video:

[Pilotasso]

But the Viper seems to be more "roomy", I have'nt had the pleasure of sitting in a Rafale, but from the video it does look like a tight fit. Beautiful machine nonetheless, and always puts on a very impressive display at airshows.

 

I sat in an F-16 and its everything but roomy :D

 

rafales pit more likely to have more space for the pilot, Its just the photo angle playing tricks on you.

[Cali]

I sat in an F-16 and its everything but roomy :D

 

rafales pit more likely to have more space for the pilot, Its just the photo angle playing tricks on you.

 

Especially when the canopy comes down and closes you in.