Originally Posted by wabpilot

Alpha Jet, Ouragan, Mystere B.2, Mystere IV, Mirage F.1, Paris Jet, Falcon/Mystre 10, 20, 50, 2000, Mercury, Airbus A300 and up.

Right now, the F-18A, C, D, E & F are superior attack types. They are just much more mature, being cleared for many more weapons. However, when the Rafale Block 10 versions go into service, the gap will narrow significantly. The F-18, all versions, is unstable, making it very maneuverable. So too is the Rafale Block 05. The F-18E/F with AESA has a better radar than the Rafale. If the AMSAR active array program yields a radar in service, again, the gap will definitely narrow. Right now, I put the F-18F ahead of the Rafale Block 05. By the time the Block 15 enters service if it has AMSAR radar, it will be very close to the F-18F. I like the Rafale M and N's small footprint it is ten feet shorter than the F-18F. Further the Rafale's wingspan is the same as the F-18F/F's folded. Maintenance wise, the Rafale represents a major improvement over the Super Etendard and Mirage III. A Rafale can be turned and ready for another sortie in twenty minutes. That is the same as the F-18E/F. It is hard to underestimate the value of that kind of maintenance.