F/A-18E/F Super Hornet vs Dassault Rafale
Fighters ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐ซ๐ท France
The backbone of US carrier aviation: a rugged multirole fighter designed for catapult launches and arrested landings, gradually being joined by the F-35C on deck.
France's omnirole fighter flies from land bases and the carrier Charles de Gaulle, carries the Meteor long-range missile and even a nuclear cruise missile. Export sales boomed in the 2020s.
Key differences
- Dassault Rafale flies farther: 3,700 vs 2,346 km (+58%).
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is cheaper: ~$67M vs ~$85M per unit.
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is far more numerous: 630+ built vs 270+.
Specifications side by side
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Dassault Rafale | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐ซ๐ท France |
| 2001 | In service since | 2001 |
| 1,915 km/h | Top speed | 1,912 km/h |
| 2,346 km | Range | 3,700 km |
| 14.6 t | Weight | 10.3 t |
| 1 | Crew | 1 |
| 20mm M61A2, 11 hardpoints: AIM-120, AIM-9X, Harpoon, JSOW | Armament | 30mm GIAT 30, 14 hardpoints: Meteor, MICA, SCALP, Exocet, ASMP-A nuclear |
| ~$67M | Unit cost | ~$85M |
| 630+ | Units built | 270+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.