Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: France
Type: Fighter Aircraft, Air Superiority Aircraft, Scout Aircraft
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
Dassault Rafale Aircraft Overview
The Dassault Rafale is a highly advanced and versatile twin-engine fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company. The Rafale is a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of missions including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.
Introduced in 2001, the Rafale incorporates advanced technologies and features to excel in modern warfare scenarios. It has a delta wing design, providing enhanced maneuverability and agility. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, including a powerful radar system, an electronic warfare suite, and data-link capabilities for network-centric warfare.
The Rafale is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided bombs, and cruise missiles. It can engage targets both in the air and on the ground with great precision and lethality.
The Rafale has been widely operated by the French Air Force and French Navy, serving as their primary combat aircraft. It has also been exported to other countries, including Egypt, India, and Qatar, establishing itself as a trusted and capable platform in the global defense market.
With its exceptional performance, advanced systems, and adaptability to various mission requirements, the Dassault Rafale has become a symbol of French military aviation excellence and a respected asset in international air forces.
Dassault Rafale Specifications
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Dimensions: Length: 15.27 m (50 ft 1 in), Wingspan: 10.90 m (35 ft 9 in), Height: 5.34 m (17 ft 6 in)
- Wing Area: 45.7 m² (492 sq ft)
- Weight: Empty: 9,850–10,600 kg (21,720–23,400 lb), Max Takeoff: 24,500 kg (54,013 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: Up to 16,550 L (4,370 US gal) with internal and external tanks
- Engines: 2 × Snecma M88-4e turbofans, 50.04 kN (11,250 lbf) dry, 75 kN (17,000 lbf) with afterburner
Dassault Rafale Performance
- Max Speed: Mach 1.8 (high altitude), Mach 1.1 (low altitude)
- Supercruise: Mach 1.4
- Combat Range: 1,850 km (1,150 mi) with external fuel and weapons
- Ferry Range: 3,700 km (2,300 mi) with drop tanks
- Service Ceiling: 15,835 m (51,952 ft)
- Climb Rate: 304.8 m/s (60,000 ft/min)
- G Limits: +9/-3.6, up to +11 in emergencies
Dassault Rafale Armament
- Guns: 1 × 30 mm GIAT 30/M791 autocannon with 125 rounds
- Hardpoints: 13-14, up to 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) of fuel and ordnance
- Missiles:
- Air-to-Air: MICA, Meteor, Magic II
- Air-to-Ground: SCALP-EG, AASM-Hammer, Paveway series
- Air-to-Surface: AM 39 Exocet
- Nuclear: ASMP-A
- Pods: Thales Damocles, AREOS, TALIOS targeting pods
- Additional: Up to 5 drop tanks, buddy refueling capability