Dassault Rafale 3D model

The Dassault Rafale (nicknamed Squall in English) is a French 4.5th generation, twin-engine, delta-wing multipurpose fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation. The Rafale is designed as both a land-based aircraft and a carrier.

The Rafale aircraft program consists of three versions of the twin-engine multi-role fighter, the one-seat version of the Rafale C, the two-seater version of the Rafale B and the AL (carrier) version is the Rafale M. Three versions of this fighter are equipped with engines. , combat and navigation systems, aircraft management systems and flight control systems alike. They can all carry out all types of missions from ground attack to air superiority.

The first production Rafale B1 flew for the first time on 4 December 1998 and has been delivered to the French Air Force. The French Government's current order of 61 aircraft was delivered from 1998 to 2005. The total order for France, the French Air Force and the French Navy is 294 aircraft.

Built following the Demonstrator Rafale A directly, all three versions of the Rafale retain their proven in-flight qualities: 70knot, 9g/-3.6g, maximum angle of attack of 32 degrees and take-off and landing distance of less than 400 meters. This quality is derived from the delta-canard aerodynamic concept combined with a delta wing and an active foreplane positioned precisely in the wing linkage to optimize efficiency and control aerodynamic stability without obstructing the pilot's view. Moreover, the shape and material of the aircraft are continuously selected to minimize the detection of electromagnetic and infrared sensors.

The Rafale C is a multi-role fighter aircraft with a fully integrated navigation and weapons system, uses the latest technology and is capable of outstanding performance on air-to-air and air-to-ground/surface mission targets far behind enemy lines.

The 2-seater Rafale B retains most of the capabilities and features of the Rafale C. The Rafale B is capable of carrying out any mission with one pilot or two crew consisting of two pilots or one pilot and one weapon system operator.

The Rafale M is an aircraft carrier version with the same capabilities and features as the other two versions. The difference is only in the airframe that is adapted to the needs of operations on the carrier.

The Rafale is the embodiment of the French Military's ambitious standardization program for the 2025-2030 vision, namely as a replacement for the five aircraft serving in the French Air Force and French Navy. The Rafale can be equipped with nuclear weapons. In addition to being used in their home country, this aircraft is also sold for export purposes. Although several countries have expressed interest in owning the Rafale, no official memorandum of cross-border orders has yet been agreed.