Duke Hawkins: Dassault Rafale

Specialist book on the Dassault Rafale

• In English
• 196 pages
• Dimensions: 240 mm x 240 mm
• High-quality paper

The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation. Designed for both the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) and the French Navy (Marine nationale), it is capable of performing a wide range of missions—including air superiority, air defense, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.

Development began in the 1980s. After the joint European development of the "European Combat Aircraft" program (a precursor to the Eurofighter) was abandoned, Dassault continued developing the Rafale independently. The first prototype, the Rafale A, made its maiden flight on July 4, 1986. Production aircraft are built in two basic configurations: the single-seat Rafale C for the Air Force, and the two-seat Rafale B, as well as the carrier-based Rafale M for the French Navy.

Its aerodynamic design is characterized by a delta-wing configuration with canards. The combination of delta wings and movable canards enables high maneuverability and strong flight performance across a wide speed range. The Rafale features an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system that assists the pilot in controlling the aircraft, which is designed to be aerodynamically unstable.

It is powered by two Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines. Each engine generates approximately 75 kN of thrust with afterburner. This allows the Rafale to reach a top speed of around Mach 1.8. The aircraft also boasts a long range, and its mission endurance can be significantly extended through aerial refueling.

A key feature of the Rafale is its extensive sensor and avionics suite. These include the Thales RBE2 AESA radar on modernized aircraft, the OSF (Optronique Secteur Frontal) electro-optical system, and the SPECTRA integrated electronic protection and countermeasures system. The networking of these systems enables the Rafale to detect, track, and engage targets while simultaneously fusing information from various sensor sources.

Armament is carried on a total of 14 external hardpoints on the Rafale C/B and 13 on the Rafale M. Fixed onboard armament consists of a 30 mm GIAT 30/M791 cannon. Depending on the mission, the aircraft can employ weapons such as MICA air-to-air missiles, Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs, and laser-guided bombs. The French Rafale can also carry the ASMP-A airborne nuclear deterrent missile.

Key Variants

• Rafale A: Technology demonstrator and prototype; not intended for serial production.
• Rafale B: Two-seat version for the French Air Force, used for training and combat missions, among other roles.
• Rafale C: Single-seat version for the French Air Force.
• Rafale M: ​​Single-seat variant for the French Navy, specifically designed for carrier-based operations. Features include reinforced landing gear and airframe, as well as an arresting hook.

The Rafale entered service with the French Navy in 2001 and the French Air Force in 2006. In addition to France, it has been exported to countries including Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Technical Specifications – Rafale C

• Crew: 1
• Propulsion: 2 × Snecma M88-2
• Thrust with afterburner: approx. 75 kN each
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 1.8
• Length: approx. 15.3 m
• Wingspan: approx. 10.9 m
• Height: approx. 5.3 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 24.5 t
• Armament: up to approx. 9.5 t of external stores
• Internal cannon: 30 mm GIAT 30/M791