French Air & Space Force Rafale Solo Display
About the Aircraft
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter jet designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence missions. Referred to as an "omnirole" aircraft by Dassault, the Rafale stands out for being almost entirely built by France, involving major French defense contractors like Dassault, Thales, and Safran.
Specifications
Crew
1 or 2
Length
15.27 m (50 ft 1 in)
Wingspan
10.90 m (35 ft 9 in)
Height
5.34 m (17 ft 6 in)
Max Speed
1,912 km/h (Mach 1.8) at high altitude
Combat Range
1,850 km
Service Ceiling
15,835 m
Armament Capacity
14 Hardpoints
Historical Development
Initiated in the late 1970s, France sought to unify and modernize its Air Force and Navy aircraft fleets. An initial collaboration with the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain led to the conception of the "Future European Fighter Aircraft," which evolved into the Eurofighter Typhoon. However, disagreements over workshare and differing national requirements prompted France to pursue its own development program. Dassault Aviation developed a technology demonstrator that first flew in July 1986, leading to an extensive eight-year flight-test program. Emphasizing domestic production, the Rafale's development involved key French defense contractors, making it a uniquely French fighter jet compared to its European counterparts.
Did You Know?
- The Rafale is equipped with the RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhancing its detection and tracking capabilities.
- Originally scheduled to enter service in 1996, the Rafale faced significant delays due to post-Cold War budget cuts and shifting priorities.
- It features the Thales SPECTRA electronic warfare system, providing superior protection against electronic threats.
- The Rafale has been exported to several countries, including India, Egypt, Qatar, and Greece, among others.
- It has demonstrated its combat capabilities in multiple theaters, including operations over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria.
Test Your Knowledge
Performer Information
The Rafale Solo Display serves as a premier representative of the French Air & Space Force, akin to the Patrouille de France's AlphaJets and the Équipe de Voltige's Extra EA-300. Showcasing its exceptional capabilities, the Rafale Solo Display participates in numerous airshows and exhibitions both within France and internationally, embodying France's aviation prowess.
Depending on weather conditions, the Rafale Solo Display performs in three distinct ways: the "high show" at a ceiling of 3,500 feet on clear days, the "low show" at 1,500 feet when cloud ceilings are lower, and the "flat show" at 800 feet during minimal visibility scenarios. These variations ensure that the Rafale Solo Display delivers breathtaking performances regardless of environmental conditions.
