Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine canard-delta multirole fighter designed to conduct air defence, deep strike, reconnaissance, anti-ship and nuclear-deterrence missions. Land- and carrier-based versions serve the French armed forces.[1]
Development
France initially participated in a multinational European fighter study but chose to pursue a national aircraft when requirements diverged. The Rafale A demonstrator flew in 1986, followed by production-standard land- and carrier-based prototypes.
The naval Rafale M entered service first, in 2001. Progressive F standards have added new radar, sensors, weapons and connectivity, and the aircraft has won export orders across the Middle East, Asia and Europe.[2]
Design
The Rafale combines a delta wing with active canards and digital flight controls. Its airframe includes measures to reduce radar and infrared signatures, while the twin M88 engines provide power for carrier launches and land-based operations.
The RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar, front-sector optronics and SPECTRA electronic-warfare suite contribute to sensor fusion and self-protection. The aircraft can carry French nuclear weapons as well as air-to-air, stand-off, anti-ship and precision-guided conventional armament.
Operational history
French Rafales have flown combat missions over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. Naval aircraft operate from the carrier Charles de Gaulle, while air-force aircraft support expeditionary and nuclear-deterrence duties.
Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia and other customers have introduced the type, making Rafale a major French defence export.
Variants and operators
The aircraft family includes Rafale B; Rafale C; Rafale M. Equipment, weapons and mission systems differ among production blocks and national fleets.
Principal or notable users include French Air and Space Force; French Navy; international operators. Some operators have retired early versions while others continue upgrades or new procurement.[1]
Specifications
Published performance figures depend on configuration, fuel, altitude and mission profile. Representative figures for the family include a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of Approximately 3,700 km ferry range. The usual crew is 1 or 2, and power is provided by 2 × Safran M88 afterburning turbofans.[1]