Described as a fighter "omnirole" (some missions in the same time) by the manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Rafale using multiple machines and as a multirole aircraft (call it a multirole) are able to carry out the task of safeguarding state sovereignty, attack (deep / in), reconnaissance and air to ward off nuclear missions.
The aircraft is operated by the Air Force and French Navy. The aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics and intelligent sensor systems. Capable of firing 30 mm cannon, missile air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface, anti-ship missiles, and a variety of laser-guided bombs and ammunition for ground attack.
Rafale first action occurred in 2002 when Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), then Libya and recently in Operation Serval (Mali). The aircraft is available with three variants, namely Rafale C (single seat), the Rafale B (double seat) and Rafale M carrier variant (one seat).
characteristics
length = 15.27 m
wing span = 10.8 m
high = 5.34 m
wing area = 45,7m²
weight empty = 9.5 to 10.1 tons (depending on variant)
full weight = 14 tons more
Speed = 1.8 mach (at altitude)