Dassault Rafale

The Rafale A technology demonstrator made its maiden flight from his test-base Istres on July 4, 1986, and is the lead into the three operational versions, Rafale B biplace, Rafale C (chasse), for the French Air Force and the Rafale M (maritime) for the French Navy.

The Rafale is an extended multi-role combat aircraft featuring small radar-signature, and capable of performing an extremely wide range of missions night or day in all weather conditions. Using a single basic platform for all variants, Rafale is designed to be compatible with all current and planned armaments.

In addition to high combat performance, the Rafale C would have a low landing speed and STOL abilities, and the Rafale M would be capable of operating from the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft-carrier.

Specifications Rafale C
Developing Nation:	France
Task:	multi-role
First Flight:	July 4th 1986
Crew:	1
Wing Span:	10,86 m
Length:	15,27 m
Height:	5,34 m
Engine (s):	SNECAM M88-2 (2x)
Weight:	- Rafale C: 9600 kg - Rafale M: 9400 kg - Rafale B: 9900 kg
Max.Take off weight:	- Rafale C: 21500 - 24500 kg - Rafale M: 19500 kg (catapult start)
Max. Speed:	2125 km/h
Max. Range:	- air to air: 1853 km - air to ground: 1100 km
Weapons for the Rafale: - All versions of Rafale are fitted with the Giat Industries DEFA 791B 30-mm cannon, witch fires 2500 rounds per minute. - Rafale is fitted with 14 hard points (13 on the Rafale M) Five of these are designed for external tanks and heavy ordnance. Mica interception, BVR combat and self-defense missile (IR and EM versions) The future AASM range of modular air-to-ground missiles The 1985lb ASMP nuclear cruise missile The Scalp/Storm-Shadow/Black Shaheen family of long-range stand-off missiles Matra Apache Sub-monition dispenser weapons. Anti-ship missiles (Exocet and future ANF supersonic Anti-ship missile) Matra BLG 1000 laser-guided bomb
Dassault Rafale Order book:
France: 1997: 13 Rafale (10 Rafale M and 3 Rafale B) F1 preproduction planes 28 Rafale (15 Rafale B, 6 Rafale C and 7 Rafale M) F2 standard planes 20 options French intentions to buy in total: (Armée de l'Air) 243 Rafale (139 Rafale B and 95 Rafale C) And for the Navy (Aéronavale) 79 Rafale M.