Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the air superiority fighters category.
01 / Overview
Rafale C
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS · COLD WAR
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
76
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the air superiority fighters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1991
- Service Entry Year2001
- Crew1
- Primary RoleMultirole fighter
- Generation4.5
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant10MOD.10
- Engine TypeTurbofan
- Engine ModelSnecma M88
- Number of Engines2
- Thrust (dry, each)50
- Thrust (afterburner, each)75
- Thrust-to-Weight1.1
- AfterburnerYes
- SupercruiseYes
- Thrust VectoringNo
- Internal Fuel4,700 kg
▣Performance10MOD.10
- Top Speed2,130 km/h
- Top Speed (Mach)2 Mach
- Cruise Speed950 km/h
- Stall Speed180 km/h
- Service Ceiling15,240 m
- Ferry Range3,700 km
- Combat Radius1,850 km
- Rate of Climb304.8 m/s
- G-Limit9
- Takeoff Run450 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Length15.27 m
- Wingspan10.8 m
- Height5.34 m
- Wing Area45.7
- Empty Weight9,500 kg
- Loaded Weight14,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight24,500 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
- Hardpoints14
- Weapons Payload9,500 kg
- Internal GunGIAT 30/719 30 mm
- Internal Weapons BayNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesYes
- Air-to-Ground MissilesYes
- Anti-Ship MissilesYes
- Nuclear CapableYes
▤Avionics & Stealth8MOD.8
- RadarRBE2 AESA
- AESA RadarYes
- Stealth / Low ObservableNo
- IRSTYes
- Electronic Warfare SuiteYes
- Helmet-Mounted SightYes
- Tactical DatalinkYes
- Targeting PodYes
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built316
- Operators6
- Variants4
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1986
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1986Production started
- 2015Sale: India (36 units) · $8.8 Mr
40
years in service
9
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
05 / Operators
Operator Countries9country
Rafale CSALES4records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 36 | $8.80 Mr | $11.95 Mr | |
| — | 54 | — | — | |
| — | 24 | — | — | |
| — | 12 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
06 / MASS Score
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS RANKING Air Superiority Fighters · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
13AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS4COLD WAR · AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS26FRANCE · ALL WEAPONS296PERFORMANCE/PRICE · AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theAir Superiority Fighterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE12terms
Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar: a radar system using a phased array antenna to steer and scan electronically.
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles designed to engage and destroy naval vessels. They are typically used by aircraft, ships, or submarines to attack enemy ships.
A collection of integrated electronic systems on a military aircraft designed to detect, identify, disrupt, or deceive enemy radar, communications, and guided weapons.
A helmet-mounted display system that allows pilots to aim weapons by looking at targets, tracking head movements to direct sensors or weapons.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a passive sensor system that detects and tracks airborne targets by their heat signatures without emitting radiation.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
Supercruise is the ability of an aircraft to sustain supersonic speed in level flight without using afterburner.
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
A targeting pod is an external sensor module mounted on aircraft that provides laser designation, infrared imaging, and range‑finding to support precision strike and reconnaissance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources