The Eurofighter Typhoon and
Dassault Rafale are two of world’s most advanced fighter jets. Both
aircraft are nearly identical in size, power and performance. They even share a
common origin, but France decided to leave the Eurofighter nations early and made its
own aircraft. That brings us to the question: How do these two fighter jets measure up against
each other? Let’s find out in this video. Eurofighter typhoon was first introduced in 2003.
Around 570 Eurofighter typhoons have been built so far with per unit cost of $117M. The aircraft
comes with single-seat and two-seat variants. The fighter’s empty weight is 24,251lb and it can
take-off with maximum weight of 51,809lb. The aircraft is powered by two Eurojet afterburning
turbofan engines, which produce around 40,000 pounds of thrust combined. With the help of
these engines the aircraft can gain top speed of 1,550mph. With ferry range of 2,350mi this
aircraft can combat within the radius of 863mi. Eurofighter typhoon can climb at the rate of
1,043 ft/sec and can reach at maximum altitude of 65,000 feet. The fighter jet comes with 13
Hardpoints in addition to a 27mm revolver cannon. On the other hand, Rafale was first rolled out in
2001. Around 175 Rafales are operated by French Air Force and various nations around the globe.
At present per unit cost of the latest variant is around $83M. Operated by a crew of 1 or 2,
the aircraft comes in at weight of 23,369lb and the jet can take-off with maximum weight
of 54,013lb. Rafale is powered by 2 turbofan engines producing 34,000 pounds of thrust
combined. With the help of these engines the aircraft can fly at top speed of 1,381mph.
With ferry range of 2,300mi, the aircraft conducts combat operations within the radius
of 1,151mi. The Rafale can climb at the rate of 1,000 ft/sec and can reach at maximum altitude
of 50,000ft. The fighter jet is outfitted with 14 hardpoints in addition to a 30mm autocannon.
The Typhoon has 30 degrees instantaneous turn rate and sustained turn rate of 23 degrees.
In contrast, Rafale has instantaneous turn rate of 30 degrees and sustained turn rate of 24 degrees.
Both fighter jets have the ability to quickly regain energy with the help of faster climb rates.
Rafale’s combination of close coupled canards leads to significant improvement in maximum
lift and drag ratio. Rafale’s 48 degrees wing sweep gives it a better lift to drag
ratio as compared to Eurofighter’s 52-degree sweep. However, higher sweep means that Typhoon
comparatively drags less during cruise flights. Rafale has better supersonic
maneuverability in comparison to Typhoon. In terms of post stall maneuverability, Rafale
can achieve 100 to 110 degrees angle of attack, while Typhoon is limited to 70 degrees.
Though LERX helps typhoon to achieve 100-degree angle of attack and thus matches
Rafale. Typical operational angle of attack limit is 32 degree for Rafale and 35 degree for
Typhoon. However, Rafale’s close coupled canard makes it better in spin recovery capability,
which basically makes Rafale a spin proof jet. The Typhoon is equipped with latest
avionics, radar and sensor fusion technology. The latest variant of Typhoon
is outfitted with Captor-E active electronically scanned array radar.
The radar has a full suite of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface modes. This radar can
track a 1m² target at a range of 115mi and a normal passenger plane at a range of 230mi. The
Typhoon’s wide-angle head-up display provides the pilot with stable, accurate, high integrity,
low latency eyes-out guidance in a compact package. The aircraft is also equipped with
inertial navigation system supported by GPS. On the other hand, Rafale is equipped with Thales
electronically scanned array radar with multi-mode operations. The radar projects real time 3D maps
for terrain following and high-resolution ground maps for navigation and targeting. The radar
can detect its opponent at range of 124mi. It is capable of tracking up
to 40 aircraft and can engage 8 of them during air-to-air engagements.
Several passive sensor systems help the jet to perform in the air superiority role.
The front sector electro-optical system is completely integrated within the aircraft and can
operate both in visible and infrared wave lengths. The Typhoon has the capacity to carry 9 tons of
payload on its 13 weapon stations. An armament control system manages weapons selection, firing
and monitors weapon status. The fighter jet can carry Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles and
is fitted with 27mm Mauser revolver Cannon. Typhoon can also carry the latest beyond
visual range Air to Air missiles like meteor. The aircraft has also been upgraded
with paveway laser-guided bombs to provide high levels of operational flexibility. Some
of the other weapons include storm Shadow, Taurus, Small Diameter Bombs,
Brimstone and anti-ship Missiles. On the other hand, Rafale can carry payloads
of more than 9.5 tons on its 14 hard points. The range of weapons includes air
to air, air to ground, air to sea, guided and unguided bombs. For a strategic mission
the jet can deliver Storm Shadow stand-off nuclear missiles. The aircraft can also carry Meteor
beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. The jet can also fire GPS and inertial guided
precision bombs. The aircraft is armed with a twin gun pod and Nexter 30mm autocannon
capable of firing 2,500 rounds a minute. Typhoon is the faster aircraft and has a
significantly superior thrust to weight ratio. It also has a significantly higher
service ceiling of over 65,000ft. While Rafale has better maneuverability at low
speeds and at higher altitudes than Typhoon. In terms of horizontal maneuverability, the
Rafale has the better instantaneous turn rates allowing it to reverse its turns more quickly.
But the Typhoon can sustain higher Gs for longer periods without bleeding speed. Both fighter
aircraft come with almost similar ferry range. Both aircraft carry incredibly advance electronic
warfare suites equipped with decoys and jammers. The Rafale can carry slightly more payload at 9.5
tons than Typhoon’s 9 tons. Both jets are capable of carrying tactical nuclear warhead as well.
The Rafale has better combat radius than the Typhoon in case it needs to deep strike.
The Rafale gets the edge in the role of close air support, as Its close coupled canard
design makes it a better flyer in "low and slow" regime. However, Typhoon has a much better
selection of low collateral damage weapons like the Brimstone and small diameter bombs.
In BVR engagements both aircraft are capable war machines. Both aircraft are outfitted with
latest active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting each other first. Typhoon
can track a 1m² target at a range of 115mi and a normal passenger plane at a range of 230mi.
Whereas Rafale’s radar can detect its opponent at range of 124mi. However, radar cross section
of the object being detected is classified. These jets are capable of mounting ramjet powered
Meteor missiles with range in excess of 60mi. In order to gain the energy advantage in a
dogfight, one must climb as high and as fast as possible at the beginning. The Typhoon can
climb slightly faster than the Rafale. However, better maneuverability and 30mm gun
make Rafale a better dogfighter. So, what do you think that which fighter jet
is better? Eurofighter Typhoon or Dassault Rafale? Let us know in the comments section.
Also be sure to check out our other military videos. Thanks for watching and don’t
forget to like, share and subscribe.
