F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs Rafale

An American carrier-based multirole fighter, derived in the late 20th century, used extensively in global combat operations.
Picture of F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 29 November 1995
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 632 units
Average unit price $70 million
French twin-engine multirole fighter, known for its versatility, advanced avionics, and high maneuverability.
Picture of Rafale
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 46.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.6 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 18.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,346 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,940 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,550 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 19,958 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
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—‰
Profile drawing of Dassault Rafale

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super 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 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a longer range at 2,346 km compared to the Rafale's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher service ceiling at 15,940 meters (52,296 ft) compared to the Rafale's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the Rafale's 24,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is longer at 18.3 meters compared to the Rafale's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $115 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The Rafale entered service first in 2001, 0 years before the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Rafale?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 632 units compared to 239 units of the Rafale.