Photos and video: Charles Leclerc tests out Rafale jet in collaboration with French Air Force
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Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc traded his SF-24 car for a Rafale fighter jet as he joined the French Air Force for an extraordinary two-day training experience at Base 113 Saint-Dizier in eastern France.
The event, documented by Canal+, offered an inside look at the world of high-speed military aviation through Charles Leclerc's eyes. The Monegasque driver, known for handling speeds of up to 360 kilometers (223 miles) per hour in his Ferrari, was thrust into a world of even more intense velocity with the Rafale, which reaches speeds up to Mach 1.8—over 2,222 kilometers (1,380 miles) per hour.
Charles Leclerc, whose callsign for the mission was "Perceval" after his middle name, underwent detailed mission preparations, including the rigorous medical check all fighter pilots complete. With the training came the responsibility of understanding the jet’s complex controls, prompting him to ask, "Are there any buttons I absolutely shouldn't touch?" This cautionary question had weight, as a civilian passenger had once accidentally triggered the ejection seat of a Rafale B during takeoff five years ago.
The mission included an array of immersive experiences, such as in-flight refueling with an Airbus A400M—a critical maneuver that allowed Charles Leclerc to witness the precision required in mid-air operations. For a brief period, Leclerc also had the chance to pilot the Rafale himself, experiencing the jet's power firsthand under the supervision of experienced Air Force instructors.
On day two, the Ferrari driver took to the skies for a supersonic flight over Toulon in southern France, experiencing forces of up to 9G, far exceeding the 5G to 6G typically felt during the most intense moments in an F1 race. This unique experience provided the driver with a firsthand perspective on the extreme physical demands faced by fighter pilots.
— CL16media (@CL16media) November 2, 2024
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