Big K

vs



i wonder a comparison between French Rafale vs F-18 with every versions and guns..

which is a better dog fighter? better gun platform?

can we make a full comparison?

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gunnut

I think the F-18 is a better bomb truck. Rafale is probably better at a2a role. But the problem is Rafale is very French. Some people don't like to buy non-standard gear.

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Injecteer

I wonder, why are french so fond of a delta-wing? Lack of financing for research teams?
Hell, even the EF2000 has one...

Stan

i would take the f-18 every time but thats mainly because im still annoyed the french pulled out of the eurofighter.

oh well sucks for them

Big K

i hope i managed to send right file

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BenRoethig

I'm no fan of the French, but there is nothing I would to see more than a "super Rafale" protecting our carriers. The performance the Super Hornet gives up to make it a first class ground attack makes it unsuitable to fulfill the role vacated by the Tomcat. A lengthened and F414 powered version of the Rafale with the block II super hornet electronics package can.

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BenRoethig

I'm no so sure of that. The configuration of the Typhoon makes it unsuitable for a couple missions including nuclear strike and recon.

Big K

i think Rafale is one of the best looking fighter ever...

B.Smitty

The role vacated by the Tomcat died with the end of the cold war. There are no large fleets of Backfires to contend with anymore.

Besides, the SH's much lower RCS, AESA radar, HMS, benign handling qualities, AIM-120D+, and (potentially) large missile loadout compensates for its shortcomings in absolute kinematic performance. And there is room for improvements with the uprated F414s that are under development.

It still doesn't have quite the legs of the Tomcat though.

Plus, there's still the potential for the F-35C to take some of the fleet defense mission. With stealthy missile pods, it would be very capable in this role.

B.Smitty

I disagree that the Rafale is a better a2a platform.

Current Block II F-18s have a somewhat lower RCS (from what I've read) and significantly better radar (indisputable) than current Rafales. And AIM-120 is a better BVR round than MICA (especially AIM-120D).

This means the F-18s have a first look and first shot advantage.

BenRoethig

You don't need backfires, just a good anti-ship missile and an aircraft to mount it on. The Falklands showed that. The Russians have the missiles and aircraft and are willing to sell to anyone dirt cheap. The Super Hornet is too slow to intercept them.

Jimmy

Stop bringing this up. For one thing, its not in service and wont be for a while. For another, nobody has the slightest idea what it will really be capable of. That data is above what you can find without a hefty clearance, so you can bet the internet rumors have little/no basis in reality.

joey

F18's Electronics is very nice, specially block II, however I'm not so sure about the aerodynamics with the 3 degree wing flaw that it had?

I personally prefer Rafale, cockpit is also very nice.

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Blademaster

If the Rafale could have the F-18's avionics, it would be one hell of a bird.

Gun Grape

F-18 all day every day, and twice on sunday

For the F-18 engine to be soo underpowered, its funny that the Rafale A did most of its test flights with the same F404 engine.

Ben, Once again you claim that the F-18 won't be able to catch enemy planes or missiles. Why not? Is the 120C-5 on a SuperHornet slower than the AIM-120 on other aircraft?

As for which is better. Those that know have already decided. And its not Rafale.

How many countries fly the Rafale? 1
How many Fly the F-18? 8

Not bad for a carrier plane, since only one of those countries have a carrier.