Dassault Rafale

Summary

Category	Combat aircraft
Origin country	🇫🇷 France
First flight	4 July 1986
Year of introduction	2001
Number produced	239 units
Average unit price	$115 million

Description

In the mid-1970s, both the French Air Force and French Navy sought a new generation of fighters, issuing a common request for proposals. This led to France joining the "European Collaborative Fighter" project in 1979, contributing the aerodynamic layout of a prospective twin-engine, single-seat fighter. However, the project collapsed due to differing operational requirements. The "Future European Fighter Aircraft" (FEFA) programme followed in 1983, but France withdrew in 1985 to maintain technological independence, while West Germany, the UK, and Italy proceeded with what became the Eurofighter Typhoon. Meanwhile, Dassault-Breguet had been designing its Avion de Combat Experimental (ACX), with the French government awarding a contract for a technology demonstrator in 1983. After France pulled out of the multilateral talks, designers focused on a more compact size, and the ACX program was renamed Rafale in April 1985. The Rafale A technology demonstrator, constructed from 1984, first flew on 4 July 1986, initiating an extensive eight-year flight test programme and paving the way for project approval and further development of the aircraft.

The Rafale was developed with a distinct design, combining a delta wing with active close-coupled canard to maximize agility, allowing it to withstand from -3.6 g to 9 g. Aerodynamically unstable, the aircraft uses digital fly-by-wire flight controls to enforce stability artificially, while its canards also reduce the minimum landing speed. Although not a full-aspect stealth aircraft, it was designed for a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature through fuselage reshaping, repositioning of engine air inlets, and the extensive use of composite materials. The Rafale features an integrated defensive-aids system named SPECTRA to protect against airborne and ground threats. Its ground attack capability relies on sensory targeting pods, such as Thales Optronics's Reco New Generation/Areos reconnaissance pod and Damocles electro-optical/laser designation pod. Originally outfitted with the Thales RBE2 passive electronically scanned multi-mode radar, it now employs the RBE2 AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for greater detection range, improved reliability, and reduced maintenance demands. F3 standard Rafales can undertake varied missions employing air defense/superiority configurations with Mica IR and EM air-to-air missiles, alongside precision ground attacks using SCALP EG cruise missiles and AASM Hammer air-to-surface missiles. Anti-shipping roles can be executed with the AM39 Exocet sea skimming missile, and reconnaissance flights employ a combination of onboard sensors and external pod-based equipment. Nuclear strike capabilities are available with ASMP-A missiles, while future upgrades are planned to integrate the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile. The Rafale typically carries a 30 mm GIAT 30 revolver cannon and can use a range of laser-guided bombs and ground-attack munitions. To ensure versatility, the Rafale’s store management system adheres to MIL-STD-1760, facilitating compatibility with a diverse array of armaments; fourteen hardpoints accommodate up to nine tons of external stores, with five suitable for heavy loads such as auxiliary fuel tanks or heavy ordnance, although the Rafale M has only 13 hardpoints.

Introduced in 2001, the Rafale has since seen action across several theaters. In 2002, the Rafale M was first deployed in combat during "Mission Héraclès" over Afghanistan, although limited to air-to-air duties at that time. Later, the Rafale would be stationed at Kandahar International Airport to support NATO ground forces from 2009 to 2011. During Opération Harmattan in 2011, Rafales conducted reconnaissance and strike missions over Libya, showcasing their ability to operate independently without dedicated SEAD support, and destroying Libyan SAM systems and aircraft. The aircraft participated in "Opération Serval" in Mali in 2013, striking rebel training camps and facilities. As part of Opération Chammal, Rafales began reconnaissance missions over Iraq in 2014 and joined American attack operations against IS militants. Notably, in 2018, Rafale Bs took part in missile strikes against Syria. Strengths included its data fusion and sensor capabilities, and versatile multirole nature which increased survivability. Some weaknesses exposed were the need for a lighter ground-attack munition, and modifications to the AASM for close air support, arising from experiences in Libya. Besides the French Air Force and Navy, the Rafale has been acquired by the Egyptian Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, and the Indian Air Force, marking its global adoption.

Main Variants:

Rafale C: This is a single-seat, land-based version designed for the French Air and Space Force, primarily purposed for air superiority and ground attack missions.
Rafale B: This is a two-seat, land-based variant, also serving with the French Air and Space Force, offering enhanced capabilities for strike and reconnaissance missions with a second crew member.
Rafale M: A single-seat, carrier-based version tailored for the French Naval Aviation, featuring a strengthened airframe and modifications for CATOBAR operations from aircraft carriers.

Technical specifications

Version: Rafale M
Crew	1 pilot
Maximum speed	1912 km/h (1188 mph)
Wing area	45.7 m² (491.9 sqft)
Wingspan	10.9 m (35.6 ft)
Height	5.3 m (17.5 ft)
Length	15.3 m (50.1 ft)
Service ceiling	15240 m (50000 ft)
Empty weight	10196 kg (22478 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	24500 kg (54013 lbs)
Climb rate	305.0 m/s (1000.7 ft/s)
Takeoff distance	400 m (1312 ft)
Powerplant	2 × turbofans SNECMA M88-2 delivering 5097 kgp, up to 7645 kgp with afterburner
Ejection seat	Martin-Baker Mk F16F