DASSAULT RAFALE LATEST FIGHTER JET OF INDIA.
July 31, 2020Dassault Rafale
Multirole fighter aircraft :
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation.
Manufacturer: Dassault AviationTrendingProgram cost: €45.9 billion (as of FY2013) (US$62.7 billion)Number built: 201 as of 2019National origin: FrancePrimary users: French Air Force; French Navy; Egyptian Air Force; Qatar Air Force; Indian Air ForceRole: Multirole fighter.
How many Rafale fighters India have :
India had bought 36 twin-engine fighter planes from Dassault Rafale for an estimated Rs 58,000 crore, through an inter-governmental agreement signed in 2016.
French Air Force
Formation of five Rafales making a flypast in 2006
How good is the Rafale fighter :
As per IAF experts, Rafale holds major superiority over J20 in terms of engine, combat capabilities, higher weapon load, battle experience and lethal missile power. “Rafale is far superior to the J 20, the Chengdu fighter of China.
Why Rafale is the best fighter :
It has multi-directional radar which can detect 40 targets at the same time in a range of over 100 kms. – It has Spectra, an integrated defence aid system which can jam or counter-jam enemy radar signals. – In a dogfight between Rafale and F-16, Rafale has an edge since it can load more weapons than F-16s.
Is Rafale better than f16 :
F-16 is single engine fighter jet whereas Rafale is twin engine fighter jet which gives more reliability. Rafale has many advantages compare to F-16 like AESA Radar, BVR Missiles with larger range , A to G Scalp Missile , A to A Mica or Meteor missile.
Rafale | |
---|---|
A French Air Force Dassault Rafale B at RIAT in 2009 | |
Role | Multirole fighter |
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation |
First flight | Rafale A demo: 4 July 1986 Rafale C: 19 May 1991 |
Introduction | 18 May 2001 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | French Air Force French Navy Egyptian Air Force Qatar Air Force |
Produced | 1986–present |
Number built | 201 as of 2019 |
Program cost | €45.9 billion (as of FY2013) (US$62.7 billion) |
Unit cost | Rafale B: €74M (flyaway cost, FY2013) Rafale C: €68.8M (flyaway cost, FY2013) Rafale M: €79M (flyaway cost, FY2011) |
Development
Origins
In the mid-1970s, both the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air) and Navy (Marine Nationale) had requirements for a new generation of fighters to replace those in or about to enter service. Because their requirements were similar, and to reduce cost, both departments issued a common request for proposal. In 1975, the French Ministry of Aviation initiated studies for a new aircraft to complement the upcoming and smaller Dassault Mirage 2000, with each aircraft optimised for differing roles.

A two-seater Rafale B during aerial refueling .
Testing
A two-seater Rafale B during aerial refueling :
To meet the various roles expected of the new aircraft, the Air Force required two variants: the single-seat “Rafale C” (chasseur, meaning “fighter” or literally “hunter”) and the “Rafale B” (biplace, or two-seater). The prototype of the C model (designated C01) completed its first flight on 19 May 1991, signalling the start of a test programme which primarily aimed to test the M88-2 engines, man-machine interface and weapons, and expand the flight envelope. Due to budget constraints, the second single-seat prototype was never built.
Design
Overview
The Rafale was developed as a modern jet fighter with a very high level of agility; Dassault chose to combine a delta wing with active close-coupled canard to maximize manoeuvrability. The aircraft is capable of withstanding from −3.6g to 9g (10.5g on Rafale solo display and a maximum of 11g can be reached in case of emergency). The Rafale is an aerodynamically unstable aircraft and uses digital fly-by-wire flight controls to artificially enforce and maintain stability.
External links
![]() | Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dassault Rafale. |
- Rafale (official page), Dassault Aviation
- Armée de l’Air (official page) (in French), The French Air Force
See also
Related lists

A Rafale landing at Ambala Air Force Station on its first arrival in India on 29 July 2020.