World Affairs Board - View Single Post - Rafale vs F-18 which plane you would like to take?

kompikos · 08-19-2007, 12:26 PM

I would certainly take the Rafale, not because the F-18 is not an excellent aircraft, but because it is meant to opperate in deferent condisions than the Rafale.

I personally have a preference for delta-winged aircraft with canards (Rafale and Eurofighter) because they tend to be more stable in negative-G maneuvering that makes them great interceptors. However they are slower in terms of manuevering duration compared to the F-16, F-18 etc.

Also the Rafale is single engined while the Hornet is twin-engined. That makes the last heavier. So what the F-18 gains in aerodynamic maneuvering speed, loses in weight and fuselage length. Also it is mostly designed to operate from carriers while the Rafale can operate from both, easily, because of it's design.

There are many more factors to consider, but right now I would take the Rafale.

08-19-2007, 12:26 PM	#48 (permalink)
kompikos Regular Join Date: 08-17-07 Posts: 28 Country:	Rafale I would certainly take the Rafale, not because the F-18 is not an excellent aircraft, but because it is meant to opperate in deferent condisions than the Rafale. I personally have a preference for delta-winged aircraft with canards (Rafale and Eurofighter) because they tend to be more stable in negative-G maneuvering that makes them great interceptors. However they are slower in terms of manuevering duration compared to the F-16, F-18 etc. Also the Rafale is single engined while the Hornet is twin-engined. That makes the last heavier. So what the F-18 gains in aerodynamic maneuvering speed, loses in weight and fuselage length. Also it is mostly designed to operate from carriers while the Rafale can operate from both, easily, because of it's design. There are many more factors to consider, but right now I would take the Rafale.