One of the more eye-catching exhibits in the Paris Air Show static park is the DGA-EV’s new Fokker 100 ABE-NG testbed, equipped with a range of combat systems that are more normally seen on the Dassault Rafale multi-role warplane. The retired airliner–on display at the French Ministère de la Défense’s static area (B3)–has undergone a series of modifications to make it an ideal platform for testing advanced systems for the Dassault fighter.
For many years the DGA-EV (Direction Générale de l’Armement-Essais en Vol) and its immediate predecessor, Centre d’Essais en Vol (CEV), has used a fleet of aircraft to perform systems trials duties, notably the Dassault Falcon 20. Although the Falcon performed well in the role, the increasing difficulty in keeping the aircraft airworthy and the limitations of the aircraft’s cabin and power supply was leading to it being less useful in the test role.
Accordingly, in 2009 the CEV began a search for a new platform. Aircraft such as the A320 with digital flight control were ruled out, while the Boeing 737 did not offer sufficient ground clearance and the Falcon 2000 business jet was considered too small. In 2010 the answer was found in the form of the Fokker 100, and an airliner recently retired by RĂ©gional (Air France) was purchased.
Sabena Technics at Dinard-Pleurtuit was contracted to perform the modification work, as well as to provide 20 years of in-service support. Changes to the airframe involved a new nose section that mounted the RBE2 radar and front-sector optronics of the Rafale, as well as structural changes to allow the carriage of sensor pods. Hardpoints were added under the wings to allow the carriage of MICA air-to-air missiles and under the fuselage to carry systems such as the Reco NG reconnaissance pod.
Internally, the flight deck was left largely unchanged, apart from the addition of a sidestick and screen console on the copilot’s side. The main cabin was stripped of seats and replaced by four operator consoles and modular electronic racks for test equipment. The former hold now accommodates a sensor system interface with the test instruments, as well as also cooling systems.
Known as the ABE-NG (Avion Banc d’Essais-Nouvelle Génération), DGA-EV’s new testbed took to the air again after modification in December 2013, before engaging on a test campaign to gain EASA certification. In testing and developing new systems for the Rafale and other tactical air systems, DGA-EV hopes to fly around 150 times annually, operating mainly from the DGA-EV’s test centers in Istres and Cazaux.
