The Dassault Rafale jet fighter is coming to the game as a new top aircraft for the French aircraft tree!
Rafale C F3: A Jet Fighter for France at Rank VIII
At a glance:
- Powerful engines and excellent controllability.
- Large number of guided bombs.
- MICA-EM air-to-air missiles.
- No air brake.
Vehicle History
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The Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter was accepted into service with the French Air Force in 2005, and in early 2014, the French Ministry of Defense announced funding for the F3 modernization program. The main goals of this upgrade were to increase the aircraft’s combat ability and overall capabilities. The Rafale received a new radar, more advanced communication and surveillance systems, the ability to use Damocles and TALIOS targeting pods, and an expanded range of weapons. Tests of the upgraded aircraft began in April 2014, with the first test flights taking place in December of the same year. In October 2018, the French Air Force accepted the Rafale F3-R into service, and by 2030, all operational aircraft will be modernized to this standard. The first combat use of the Dassault Rafale C (F3-R) occurred in September 2020, when a pair of aircraft struck ISIS positions. Additionally, the F3-R modification has been exported to Greece and Croatia.
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Introducing the Rafale C F3!
Arriving at the end of the line for the French aircraft tree is a very famous and modern aircraft: the Dassault Rafale! Coming in the Storm Warning major update, this aircraft features excellent characteristics and a large arsenal of weapons. Let’s dive into the details!
The Rafale, along with the other top fighters, is a very technologically advanced aircraft that has its own unique elements. For example, this aircraft has access to MICA-EM ARH missiles, which are among the best long-range missiles in the game. In addition to this, the Rafale has just 2 missiles for short range engagements — already well-known to French pilots, the Matra R550 Magic 2. Another unique aspect is in the Rafale’s countermeasure loadout — it only has 32 large caliber countermeasures, but additionally a large amount of chaff!
Interesting: “Rafale”, when written in French as “Rafale de vent”, is translated into “Gust of Wind”!
In addition to regular bombs for destroying ground targets, the Rafale features both the Paveway series of guided bombs (GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-22 and GBU-24), familiar from other aircraft, and the AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bombs, new to War Thunder! This new addition includes the SBU 38 guided bomb (GNSS guidance), SBU 54 (Laser+IOG+GNSS guidance), and the most advanced version, the SBU 64 (IR+IOG+GNSS). Guidance for these new bombs is handled by the DAMOCLES targeting pod, familiar from the advanced Mirage 2000 aircraft.
In terms of speed, the Rafale features a pair of SNECMA M88-2 engines, producing a total thrust of almost 14,000 kgf and a maximum speed of over 1,800 km/h at very high altitudes when using the afterburner. The delta wing design and canards make the Rafale very controllable at any speed and altitude, allowing it to perform sharp maneuvers, while the powerful engines can quickly replenish energy losses.
That’s it for this blog! The Rafale C F3 will be waiting for you in the Storm Warning major update, where very soon it will have its say in both Air and Ground Battles — until then though, keep an eye out for more dev blogs!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
