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The Dassault Rafale C F3 marks its arrival as the crown jewel of the French aircraft tree in War Thunder. Debuting in the Storm Warning update, this cutting-edge aircraft has remarkable features and a formidable arsenal, making it a standout addition to the game.
Armament
The Rafale distinguishes itself with advanced weaponry. It is armed with the MICA-EM ARH missiles, some of the best long-range options in the game. For close-range combat, it carries two reliable Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles, familiar to French pilots.
For ground attacks, its loadout includes a mix of conventional bombs and precision-guided munitions. The Paveway series (GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-22, GBU-24) is complemented by the AASM HAMMER, offering versatility across different mission profiles of War Thunder.
Performance
With its twin SNECMA M88-2 engines delivering nearly 14,000 kgf of thrust with afterburners, the Rafale reaches speeds of over 1,800 km/h at high altitudes. Its delta wing design ensures superb maneuverability, enabling sharp turns and fast energy recovery during combat. This combination of speed and agility makes it an adaptable and formidable platform in various scenarios.
Historical Context
The Dassault Rafale entered service with the French Air Force in 2005, quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern military aviation. In 2014, the F3 modernization program was initiated to enhance the aircraft’s combat capabilities. Upgrades included a new radar system, improved communications and surveillance equipment, and expanded weapon compatibility, including the integration of the Damocles and TALIOS targeting pods.
The Rafale F3 variant began testing in April 2014, with its first flights in December that year. Operational by 2018, the F3-R version further advanced the aircraft, and all units are planned to be upgraded to this standard by 2030. It first saw combat in September 2020, targeting ISIS positions with precision-guided weapons. The Rafale F3-R has also been exported to Greece and Croatia, cementing its reputation as a premier multi-role fighter.
