National flag graphic of the nation of france

Dassault Aviation "Rafale"


Multirole Fighter

The French Fighter Solution.



Succeeding the Mirage 2000 series was the vaunted Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine, versatile combat platform that sees its capabilities matched by few contenders today. The type serves French fighting forces in both air and navy roles and single- and twin-seat models are available to fulfill various roles. Like other winning Dassault designs, the Rafale relies on a proven delta-wing planform for excellent agility and its turbofans provide exceptional performance in the combat environment. Due to its inherent strengths, the Rafael is destined to remain in service for several more decades before its own successor is found.
Image of front-right-view-approaching-rafale-fighter.jpg


1(+1)
CREW
Speed
1,190
MPH
Ceiling
49,984
FEET
Range
1,150
MILES


Image of rafale-secondary.png

Mission Roles



AIR-TO-AIR
INTERCEPTION
GROUND ATTACK
STRIKE
ANTI-SHIP
ANTI-RADAR
RECON
TRAINING
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Gallery



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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.





Qualities





Navalized Form


The Rafale has been developed into a highly capable navalized form. With its reinforced airframe, enlarged arrestor hook, and lengthened nose leg, the type is equally-capable. The aircraft is the only foreign-born type to be cleared for operations on American carriers.


Range Beyond Range


Three stations on the Rafale airframe are plumbed to receive fuel from external stores - effectively enabling the fighter to reach out to distances of 3,700 kilometers. In addition to this, range is enhanced by the aircraft's ability to receive fuel mid-air for an even greater reach.


Mission Versatility


The Rafale's platform, coupled with multiple hardpoints, allow the fighter to fulfill its given multirole classification. This means delivery of air-launched / air-dropped precision missile / bomb weaponry as well as conventional dumb bombs.


One Aircraft, Three Versions


Three versions - Rafale B, C, and M - make up the Rafale family and these share the same SNECMA afterburning turbofan engines, NAV-ATTACK mission system, and mission management suite for maximum logistical friendliness.


Specifications



Year:
2001
Status
Active, In-Service (23 yrs)
Manufacturer(s)
Dassault Aviation - France
Production
175 Units
4 Total

National flag graphic of EgyptNational flag graphic of FranceNational flag graphic of IndiaNational flag graphic of Qatar

Egypt; France; India; Qatar

(List includes former, current, and potential operating nations)
Rafale C: 2 x SNECMA M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines developing 11,250lb dry thrust each and 16,860lb of thrust with reheat.

(Assuming optimal flying/environmental conditions)
Maximum Speed
1,190 mph | 1,915 kph | 1,034 kts
Service Ceiling
49,984 ft | 15,235 m | 9.47 miles
Operational Range
1,150 miles | 1,850 km | 999 nm
Rate-of-Climb
60,000 ft/min | 18,288 m/min
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the Rafale C production model)
Length
50.20 feet (15.30 meters)
Width
35.76 feet (10.90 meters)
Height
17.55 feet (5.35 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the Rafale C production model)
Empty
21,716 lb (9,850 kg)
M.T.O.W.
54,013 lb (24,500 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the Rafale C production model)
Ordnance and special-mission equipment mounted at 3 x Fuselage hardpoints (1 x Center; 2 x Side), 4 x Underwing hardpoints (2 per wing), and 2 x Wingtip hardpoints (1 per wing). Supported Types:



Close-in Cannon graphic Close-in Gun(s)
Air-to-Air Missile graphic Air-to-Air Missiles
Air-to-Surface Missile graphic Air-to-Surface Missiles
Precision-Guided Bomb graphic Precision-Guided Bombs
Conventional Drop Bomb graphic Conventional Drop Bombs
Attack Rocket graphic Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel Tank graphic Additional Fuel
Rafale - Base Series Name.
Rafale A - Technology Demonstrator of 1996.
Rafale B (F3-2) - Twin-seat variant; French Air Force.
Rafale B F4 - Improved Rafale B; upgraded radar fit; improved mission capabilities; improved performance specs.
Rafale C (F3-R) - Single-seat variant; French Air Force.
Rafale C F4 - Improved Rafale C; upgraded radar fit; improved mission capabilities; improved performance specs.
Rafale DM - Twin-seat variant; Egyptian Air Force.
Rafale EM - Single-seat variant; Egyptian Air Force.
Rafale EH - Single-seat variant; Indian Air Force.
Rafale M (F3-R) - Navalized Rafale C (F3-R) for French Navy service; reinforced airframe; revised, longer noseleg; enlarged arrestor hook; integrated boarding ladder.
Rafale M F4 - Improved Rafale M (F3-R); upgraded radar fit; improved mission capabilities; improved performance specs.
Rafale N (Rafale BM) - Proposed twin-seat missile-only variant for the French Navy; cancelled.
Rafale R - Proposed dedicated reconnaissance variant.


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