The Big Three finally meet

[F-14D]

At the same time as the Dubai air show, there was a fighter exercise involving five nations. Apparently for the first time, Rafale, Typhoon and Raptor were flown against each other. Don't know if involved full capabilities (unlikely, especially involving avionics), medium range to close in, or just visual engagements. It would be very interesting if anyone had information on what happened.

 

[avatar]

-deleted-

- how the he** did this end up here- ???

 

[mz]

Wasn't it updated shortly after that the F-22 did not partake?

 

[F-14D]

single seater , hmm. does that lead us to optionally manned somewhere?

I suspect this is a reply to something else

 

[F-14D]

Wasn't it updated shortly after that the F-22 did not partake?

Not sure. I have heard one comment to this effect since I made the original post. I do know USAF won't participate with Raptor when there it's thought that someone might be making a major effort on gathering ELINT.

 

[sferrin]

F-22 did not participate. Who said they were flown against each other? ???

 

[F-14D]

F-22 did not participate. Who said they were flown against each other? ???

Source 1: the RAF

Source 2: Flight International Vol 176 #5216 (OK, the November 24-30 issue) pg. 11


Six F-22s did F-22s did go to Al Dhafra (as did six Typhoons and six Rafales), but I've dug up since my last post that mz is right: their participation was canceled at the last minute and USAF refused to say why, or even if, the six F-22s at Al Dharfa were there.

Obi-Wan: "You don't need to identify those fighters."
Storm Trooper: "We don't need to identify those fighters."
Obi-Wan: "These aren't the Raptors you're looking for."
Storm Trooper: "These aren't the Raptors we're looking for."
Obi-Wan "You can go about your business."
Storm Trooper: "We can go about our business."
Obi-Wan: "Move along."
Storm Trooper: "Move along! Move along!"