Could anyone point out to me the external differences between the F1, F2 and F3 variants of the Dassault Rafale???
And here’s a nice pic of a Rafale in different colours!
nice pic i wanna do one 1/48. when i can find 1
Revell made the Rafale M in 1/48. REvell Germany did the two seater version. They are gorgeous kits.
What country is that from? Beauty and inspiration for the Rafale B in the shop.
The markings in that Rafale are Brazilian… I didn’t know the Brazil was a Rafale user. Best regards.
José.
France and Dassault are hoping that Brazil will become the first export user of the Rafale. Boeing and Saab are also in the competition. According to some sources, the Brazilian president has already chosen the Rafale, against the offer of technology transfer (the Brazilian Rafales would be built in Brazil), commercial rights (Brazil would be manufacturing any other Rafale ordered by any other South American country) and an order for the Embraer KC-390.
But that does not answer my original question, Folks…
As far as I can make out, the operational Rafale is available in three models: C (Air Force single-seater), M (Aeronavale) and B (Air force two-seater);
The M has been manufactured in three different batches so far: F1, F2 and F3; the F1 had limited capabilities because the softwares were not quite ready, and was basically used to test the aircraft under operational conditions (incl. in Afghanistan I believe); The F2 is the first real fully operational variant, able to carry more stores under wing, incl. refuelling tank to help out, when necessary, other French aircraft. The F2 I think is the first operational Rafale compatible with US carriers (the F1 was not). The F3 batch is entering production and service now. F1 batch aircraft are to be upgraded to F3 standards.
The French Air Force has only received, I think, F2-batch aircraft so far, both C and B models, though F3 ones are being manufactured.
My question is about external changes between the F1, F2 and F3 batches… so that the 1/144 Revell kit (Rafale M, pre-production model), can be updated…