Rafale vs F-16 block 52, F-18 E/F vs M2000

[God Bless USA]

On the Rafale Multi-Role Combat Fighter (I noticed it on the Eurofighter Typhoon Multi-Role Combat Fighter also) there is a small wing on both sides of the fighter behind the pilot.  What is it correct name and does it move?  Is it purpose to help  maneuverability or does it serve a different purpose?

[AviaL2]

On the Rafale Multi-Role Combat Fighter (I noticed it on the Eurofighter Typhoon Multi-Role Combat Fighter also) there is a small wing on both sides of the fighter behind the pilot.  What is it correct name and does it move?  Is it purpose to help  maneuverability or does it serve a different purpose?

Canards


Some pics i found in modelclub.gr

[God Bless USA]

Great pictures!  Thank you.

[iluveagles]

Yes, the Canards move, they essentially replace elevators. Its sole purpose is to enhance the maneuverability of an aircraft.

[valkyrian]

Returning on this issue, a very good friend of mine found this

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/Rafale%2BVs%2BSuperHornet/video/x6bnpq_rafale-vs-superhornet_sport

but bcz he is away for vacations, asked me to share this with all of you, so enjoy (and post some comments)

Thank you anonymous friend for your contribution...


As a complementary video, check this :
http://videos.tf1.fr/video/news/0,,3931177,00-contre-rafale-vrai-faux-combat-.html

Quick translation of the video (the good bits):
French pilot : " we 're going to separate in the zone and then try to find each other , one Rafale and one F-16 , then go do WVR . We feel that the USAF is very curious about the Rafale and we think that they know what they are up against , so I think that we 're going to bluff them "
Second French Pilot talk :
" It went well , the F-16s were very cool to fight against and we managed to shootdown them from time to time , it was good "

Commentator :
"The Americans admit that they have been impressed by the French fighter "

The USAF pilot :
" The Rafale is an aircraft with unique capabilities which can be flown in a very aggressive manner , more than the F-16 . But you know , the most important is the capabilities of the pilot (!)"

[valkyrian]

I guess my friend and i made a hell of a profile for Rafale....