[Article initialement publié le 10 avril 2024]
One of the great flagships of French military aviation, the Dassault Rafale aircraft, stands out for its impressive speed. Equipped with a powerful engine and cutting-edge technologies, the Rafale can reach a maximum speed between Mach 1.8 and Mach 2.0, or approximately 2,222 kilometers per hour. Its agility and versatility make it a major asset in defense and security missions.
The technological advances present on the Rafale
To achieve feats such as those it accomplishes, the Rafale is equipped with remarkable cutting-edge technologies. Its carefully optimized aerodynamic design reduces air resistance and increases aeronautical efficiency, while its SNECMA M88 engines give it impressive thrust, allowing it to easily reach 2,000 km/h.
Additionally, its advanced flight control and avionics systems give it uncommon maneuverability and precision, setting it apart from older, ultra-fast Dassault models, which are now out of service, such as the Mirage III and IV.
In addition to the Rafale, what are the other French super-fast planes?
In addition to the Rafale, France has also designed other internationally renowned high-speed aircraft that have marked the history of its aviation. The most iconic of these is undoubtedly the legendary Concorde, an airliner. Developed in the 1960s, it was capable of flying at a supersonic cruising speed of Mach 2.04, or nearly 2,180 km/h. Nevertheless, Concorde ended its commercial activities in 2003.
The Mirage IV, a French strategic bomber, entered service in 1964 and could reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.2, or approximately 2,330 km/h. The Mirage III, a multi-role fighter jet, was introduced into service in 1961 and could also reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.2. They were withdrawn from service in 1996 and from the 1980s respectively.
And in the world?
Internationally, aircraft such as the United States' F-22 Raptor and Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 are known for their flight performance and advanced air combat capabilities.
French aviation continues to push the limits of speed and technology with aircraft such as the Rafale. Thanks to their exceptional performance and technical advances, these aircraft affirm France's position as a world leader in the field of military aviation.
Air force personnel
Last January, General Laurent Lherbette told 20 Minutes that the Air Force wanted, by 2030, to have 185 Rafale-type combat aircraft. For the moment the French army had only around a hundred Rafales. An order for 42 new aircraft was placed at the start of the year from Dassault Aviation. A new squadron must therefore be created in Vaucluse by the end of the year to be able to accommodate them. It is the budget planned for the 2024-2030 military programming law which allows this development.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
