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

Dassault Rafale combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Rafale
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Specifications
F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Rafale
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Dassault
First flight 29 November 1995 4 July 1986
Year introduced 2001 2001
Number produced 632 units 316 units
Average unit price $70 million $115 million
Wing area 46.5 m² 45.7 m²
Wingspan 13.6 m 10.9 m
Height 4.9 m 5.3 m
Length 18.3 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 1912 km/h
Operational range 2,346 km 1,850 km
Service ceiling 15,940 m 15,835 m
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg 24,500 kg
Empty weight 14,550 kg 9,850 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,979 kgf 2 x 7,650 kgf
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 15,835 meters (51,952 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 316 units of the Rafale.