Dassault Aviation
Rafale M
The Rafale M is the carrier‑based variant of France’s multirole fighter Rafale, developed by Dassault Aviation to meet the French Navy’s requirement for a modern, all‑weather strike aircraft capable of operating from the nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Development began in the early 1990s, building on the Rafale A demonstrator, and the first flight of the naval prototype took place in 1995. After extensive testing, the Rafale M entered operational service in 2004, replacing the older Super‑Etendard and Rafale F based on the carrier deck.
Key features include a twin‑engine Snecma M88‑2 powerplant delivering 50 kN of thrust each, a robust airframe reinforced for catapult launches and arrested recoveries, and an advanced Fly‑by‑Wire flight‑control system. The aircraft carries the latest Rafale Integrated Core Processor, which fuses radar, sensor, and weapons data, enabling simultaneous air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground, and reconnaissance missions. Its nose‑mounted RBE2‑AA AESA radar and infrared search and track system provide superior situational awareness.
The Rafale M’s significance lies in its versatility: it can perform air superiority, deep strike, anti‑ship, and nuclear deterrence roles, making the French carrier strike group one of the most capable and flexible forces in contemporary naval aviation.
Key features include a twin‑engine Snecma M88‑2 powerplant delivering 50 kN of thrust each, a robust airframe reinforced for catapult launches and arrested recoveries, and an advanced Fly‑by‑Wire flight‑control system. The aircraft carries the latest Rafale Integrated Core Processor, which fuses radar, sensor, and weapons data, enabling simultaneous air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground, and reconnaissance missions. Its nose‑mounted RBE2‑AA AESA radar and infrared search and track system provide superior situational awareness.
The Rafale M’s significance lies in its versatility: it can perform air superiority, deep strike, anti‑ship, and nuclear deterrence roles, making the French carrier strike group one of the most capable and flexible forces in contemporary naval aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- Service Entry
- 2002
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Dassault Aviation
- Engine
- Snecma M88
- Operator
-
French Navy
- Wikidata ID
- Q19799466