Designed as a result of the ACX (Avion de Combat Experimentale) program prior to France's withdrawal from the EFA project, the Rafale was first flown on July 4th, 1986. The Rafale is multi-role fighter for the Franch Air Force and Navy, capable of handling missions from reconnaissance to air supremacy to nuclear deterrence. The Rafale built on Dassault's expertise with delta-winged fighter design, adding a forward canard to improve maneuverability and reduce approach speeds for carrier operations. The Rafale's advanced avionics and and limited stealth capabilities are expected to secure it as the primary combat aircraft for the French Air Force and Navy until at least 2040.

Info:    Dassault Rafale C - Dassault Aviation, C01 Demonstrator, Farnborough Airport, England, Farnborough Airshow 1992