French next-generation fighter. France decided to developed its own fighter, rejecting the European EFA as too heavy for carrier use and too costly for export. Rafale is also a canarded delta, but has less angular lines than EFA. Extensive use was made of composite materials. Rafale A was the prototype, Rafale B is the two-seat version, Rafale C the single-seater, and Rafale M carrier fighter version. Four prototypes were flying in early 1997. Orders for 272 production aircraft for the French armed forces are expected.
France chose to produce the Rafale, which will begin operation in 1999, instead of the EUROFIGHTER. The Rafale is lighter and smaller than the Eurofighter. It will be produced in three versions: Rafale M, Rafale C, and Rafale D. The M is the carrier version, with a spring-loaded nose wheel to help it into the air when launching. The C is a one-seater and the D it a somewhat stealthy version for the air force.
The Rafale, like most of its contemporaries, has taken longer to develop than expected. The Rafale A technology demonstrator made its first flight in July 1986. After the breakdown of discussions between France and the four Eurofighter nations, the French Government decided to proceed unilaterally with full-scale development and production of Rafale in 1987. The first of four production-type prototypes flew in 1991.
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