Dassault Rafael

Dassault Rafael airplane model. France opted to create its own fighter aircraft, dismissing the European EFA due to its excessive weight for carrier operations and expensive export costs. The Rafale, while also a canarded delta, boasts sleeker lines compared to the EFA. Innovative composite materials were extensively utilized in its development. The Rafale A served as the prototype, followed by the two-seater Rafale B, the single-seater Rafale C, and the carrier-based Rafale M. By early 1997, four prototypes were already in flight. The French armed forces are expected to place orders for 272 production aircraft.