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F-16V Viper vs Rafale

F-16V Viper vs Rafale at a glance — top speed 2,414 vs 1,912 km/h, range 4,220 vs 3,700 km, max takeoff weight 21,772 vs 24,500 kg.

Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16V ViperFull specs
Dassault Rafale combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 RafaleFull specs
Specifications
F-16V Viper Rafale
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Dassault
First flight 16 October 2015 4 July 1986
Year introduced 2018 2001
Number produced N/A 316 units
Average unit price $70.3 million $95 million
Wing area 27.9 m² 45.7 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m 10.9 m
Height 5.1 m 5.3 m
Length 15.1 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h 1912 km/h
Operational range 4,220 km 3,700 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,835 m
Max. takeoff weight 21,772 kg 24,500 kg
Empty weight 9,207 kg 9,850 kg
Total thrust 1 x 13,381 kgf 2 x 7,648 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The F-16V Viper is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the Rafale's 1,912 km/h, a difference of 502 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The F-16V Viper has a longer range at 4,220 km compared to the Rafale's 3,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher service ceiling at 15,835 meters (51,952 ft) compared to the F-16V Viper's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 24,500 kg compared to the F-16V Viper's 21,772 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The Rafale is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the F-16V Viper's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $95 million per unit compared to the F-16V Viper at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16V Viper or Rafale?
The Rafale entered service first in 2001, 17 years before the F-16V Viper which entered service in 2018.