F-35 Lightning II vs Rafale
| American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 15 December 2006 |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Number produced | 965 units |
| Average unit price | $85 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 | 316 units |
| Average unit price | $115 million |
| Wing area | 43.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 15.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1960 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27,216 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 14,651 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 45.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.3 m ◉ |
| Length | 15.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1912 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,850 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,835 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 24,500 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 9,850 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 7,650 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Rafale's 1,912 km/h, a difference of 48 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Rafale's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher service ceiling at 15,835 meters (51,952 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Rafale's 24,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the Rafale's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $115 million per unit compared to the F-35 Lightning II at $85 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The Rafale entered service first in 2001, 12 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or Rafale?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 316 units of the Rafale.