F-16 Fighting Falcon vs Rafale
| American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| First flight | 2 February 1974 |
| Year introduced | 1979 |
| Number produced | 4604 units |
| Average unit price | $75 million |
| French twin-engine multirole fighter, known for its versatility, advanced avionics, and high maneuverability. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Dassault |
| First flight | 4 July 1986 |
| Year introduced | 2001 |
| Number produced | 239 units |
| Average unit price | $115 million |
| Wing area | 27.9 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2410 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 546 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 18,288 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 19,200 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 8,570 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 7,777 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 45.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.3 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1912 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,850 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 24,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 10,196 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 20,388 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the Rafale's 1,912 km/h, a difference of 498 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The Rafale has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Rafale's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 24,500 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The Rafale is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $115 million per unit compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon at $75 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 22 years before the Rafale which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Rafale?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 239 units of the Rafale.