Magazine Ultimate Jet #74

Renewal: a pragmatic choice
However, the longevity of the device has been made possible through
modifications and improvements over these past four decades.
One of the most important improvements, in terms of avionics was
completed in 2008. The Navy has redesigned its avionics with the
integration of EFIS screens to comply with GNSS (Global Navigation
Satellite System) standards. The upcoming disappearance of the ILS
in many areas, in addition to the requirement for a GPS approach
system (LNAV) by integrating an antenna and new housing, should
force the Navy to carry out new work on its fleet of aircraft. In any
case, these will be the last possible modifications to the aircraft,
which despite its performance, «is indeed showing its age,» as CF
Daylaud points out adding that the aircraft «will not be able to withstand
a more important transformation project, in particular the installation of
ADS-B or CPDLC.» The complexity of such an operation would require
an expense greater than the acquisition of four new aircraft. With
this in mind, the Navy has begun looking at the successor to the
twin-engine cloverleaf jet, via a replacement aircraft that it will find in
the light jet segment. And, because of performance, only two aircraft
available on the market stand out as replacements to the Falcon 10:
the Embraer Phenom 300 and the Pilatus PC-24.
These two twin-engine jets paradoxically do not offer the same speed
performance as the Falcon 10, but their avionics are very similar to
that of the Rafale. Although studies have been under way by the staff
for several months, a decision will not be taken before next year, and
a project deadline of 2025, meaning the date at which time the state
waivers must be granted for the Falcon 10 Mer to remain in flight.
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