The Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole 4.5-generation fighter aircraft developed by the French company Dassault Aviation. Designed to perform a wide range of missions, the Rafale is capable of air superiority, ground support, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. First introduced in 2001, it is operated by the French Air Force and Navy, as well as several export customers.
Dassault Rafale Key Features
- Omnirole Capability: Can perform multiple missions in a single sortie.
- Advanced Avionics: Equipped with cutting-edge radar, sensors, and electronic warfare systems.
- Agile and Stealthy: Delta-wing design with canards for high maneuverability and reduced radar cross-section.
- Carrier-Capable: Naval variant (Rafale M) can operate from aircraft carriers.
Dassault Rafale Design and Structure
- Length: 50.2 ft (15.3 m)
- Wingspan: 35.4 ft (10.9 m)
- Height: 17.3 ft (5.3 m)
- Empty Weight: 22,000 lb (10,000 kg)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 54,000 lb (24,500 kg)
Dassault Rafale Performance Specifications
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (1,389 mph, 2,232 km/h)
- Combat Radius: 1,000 mi (1,850 km)
- Ferry Range: 2,300 mi (3,700 km)
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,240 m)
- Rate of Climb: 60,000 ft/min (305 m/s)
- Thrust/Weight Ratio: ~1.13
Dassault Rafale Powerplant
- Engines: 2× Snecma M88-2 turbofans
- Thrust: 16,900 lbf (75 kN) each with afterburner
Dassault Rafale Avionics
- Radar: Thales RBE2 AESA radar
- Sensors: Front-sector optronics (FSO), SPECTRA electronic warfare system
- Navigation: GPS/INS with terrain-following capability
- Cockpit: Wide-angle HUD, touchscreen displays, voice command capability
Dassault Rafale Armament
- Guns: 1× 30 mm GIAT 30/M791 cannon with 125 rounds
- Hardpoints: 14 total (13 for Rafale M)
- Air-to-Air Missiles: MICA IR/EM, Meteor
- Air-to-Ground Weapons: SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM precision bombs, laser-guided bombs
- Nuclear Capability: ASMP-A medium-range air-to-surface missile
- Other Payloads: Fuel tanks, targeting pods, reconnaissance pods
Dassault Rafale Variants
- Rafale C: Single-seat for Air Force
- Rafale B: Two-seat version for Air Force
- Rafale M: Carrier-based single-seat version for Navy
Dassault Rafale Operational History
- Combat Missions: Libya, Mali, Iraq, Syria
- Proven Effectiveness: High sortie rate and mission flexibility in combat
- Global Reach: Exported to India, Egypt, Qatar, and more
Dassault Rafale Export and Operators
- Primary Operator: French Air Force and Navy
- Export Customers: India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, UAE (on order)
Dassault Rafale Future Prospects
The Rafale continues to evolve with upgrades like the F4 standard, incorporating new weapons, sensors, and AI-based systems. It serves as a critical component of France’s air power and a strategic export success for Dassault Aviation.