F/A-18 Hornet vs Rafale
| American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 18 November 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1983 |
| Number produced | 1480 units |
| Average unit price | $29 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 | 38.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 12.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 17.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1915 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,017 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 23,541 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 10,433 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 12,700 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the Rafale's 1,912 km/h, a difference of 3 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the Rafale's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 24,500 kg compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 23,541 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the Rafale's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $115 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 18 years before the Rafale which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 239 units of the Rafale.