Dassault Rafale

The multirole fighter built for air superiority and strike missions.

Dassault Rafale RIAT 2009 © airwolfhound

Overview

Dassault France ICAO: RFAL 2000–Present Active $120 million (2014)

The Dassault Rafale is a French multirole fighter introduced in the 2000s. Designed to replace several earlier aircraft types, it performs air defense and strike roles. The aircraft serves in both air force and naval configurations.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × SNECMA M88-2 Turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 17,000 lbf · 76 kN
Avionics
Integrated Modular Avionics, Thales RBE2 AA AESA radar, Thales SPECTRA Electronic Warfare system.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
50 ft 1 in  ·  15.27 m
Tail height
17 ft 6 in  ·  5.34 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
35 ft 9 in  ·  10.90 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
54,000 lb  ·  24,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
21,000 lb  ·  9,500 kg
Fuel capacity
4,350 gal · 16,500 L · 13,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,200 kt  ·  1,381 mph  ·  2,222 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
120 kt  ·  138 mph  ·  222 km/h
Range
2,000 nm  ·  2,300 mi  ·  3,700 km
Fuel burn
0.63 nm/gal  ·  0.31 km/L
Ceiling
55,000 ft  ·  16,800 m
Rate of climb
60,000 ft/min  ·  305 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,310 ft  ·  400 m
Landing distance
1,480 ft  ·  450 m
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Dassault Rafale RIAT 2013

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Operational Context

Dassault Rafale — multirole combat aircraft

The Rafale first flew in 1986 and entered service in 2001. It features a delta wing with canards and advanced avionics. The aircraft was developed to meet French defense requirements.

Two Snecma M88 turbofan engines producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (75 kN) each with afterburner power the aircraft. Maximum speed exceeds Mach 1.8. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 54,000 pounds (24,494 kg).

The Rafale has been exported to multiple countries. It continues to receive capability upgrades. The aircraft represents France’s primary modern combat platform.