The Rafale M is a navalized multirole aircraft. It replaced the R-C01 from Air Combat in Ace Combat 2 and has been prominently featured in the series since. The only substantial modifications from the R-C01 are the reinforcement of the landing gear, arresting hook, catapult connecting bar, and compatibility with aircraft carrier instrument landing systems.
History
Strangereal
In the Strangereal universe, the Rafale M was conceived by an unspecified nation as an "omnirole" carrier-based aircraft capable of dealing with both air combat and surface strike situations. Its triple-surface and delta wing configuration, reminiscent of the Typhoon, endowed it with high maneuverability and weapons payload, as well as a highly identifiable body profile.
During the Belkan War, the aircraft was used by both the Allied Forces and the Belkan Air Force. They were also used by the terrorist organization A World With No Boundaries. One famous operator was mercenary Marcela Vasquez, who defected from Sapin Air Force employ and joined the terrorists.[1]
The Rafale M saw action in the Usean coup d'état, where it was used by both the Usean Allied Forces and the Usean Rebel Forces.[2]
During the Continental War, the aircraft was used by the ISAF Navy and the Federal Erusea Air Force.[3] The craft was also used by numbers 7 and 8 of the Mobius Squadron.[4][5]
During the Circum-Pacific War the Rafale M was operated in a fairly limited capacity by the Yuktobanian Air Force.
During the Emmeria-Estovakia War, the Rafale M was utilized by the Estovakian Navy and Air Force. One notable pilot was Estovakian ace, Irena Dvornik, who became revered as "The Goddess of Victory," was shot down and killed by Talisman while defending the frontline during the siege on Silvat.[6][7] A number of Rafale Ms were also deployed by the South Sea Fleet during Operation Free Gracemeria.[8] The Republic of Emmeria Navy also had access to the aircraft during the war.[9]
During the Lighthouse War the Rafale M was operated by both the Erusean Navy and the Erusean Air Force. Chris Azure was the most notable Erusean Rafale pilot. He was shot down by Trigger near Snider's Top during Operation Siren's Song.[10] They were also utilized by the SACS air group of the super-submarine Alicorn. During Operation Sighthound, a squadron of four aircraft took off from the now-rogue vessel in order to carry a cruise missile to an unknown target and serve as a distraction while the submarine began her escape from Artiglio Port. Trigger shot them down before they could escape the area and deliver their payload.[11] SACS fielded the Rafale M again during Operation Fisherman in an interceptor role, initially attempting to destroy Specter Squadron's P-1 patrol aircraft alongside the Alicorn's fleet of SLUAVs, before serving as distraction during the LRSSG's efforts to destroy the submarine.[12]
Joint Assault universe
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Assault Horizon universe
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Game Analysis
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
- "A versatile omnirole carrier-based aircraft used by both the navy and air force. The M-model follows navy specifications. It has no tail wings, instead combining delta wings with close-coupled canards. This provides it with great agility and stability at low to mid speeds, and dominance in both close-range combat and air raids. Its long-range air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities allow it to take the initiative in combat. As well as regular wars, it has been used as an experimental craft in numerous asymmetric wars—such as guerilla warfare—across harsh desert regions and steep mountainous terrains, giving it a wealth of combat experience. Nicknamed "Rafale M," its curved features make the craft a sight to behold as it soars through the sky.."
- ― Data Viewer
How to Unlock
- The Rafale M is available on the Aircraft Tree and it costs 440,000 MRP. It requires purchasing the Gripen E.
Statistics
Weapons
Part Slots
- BODY: 34
- ARMS: 34
- MISC: 34
Named Pilots
Skins
- Osea: Air superiority Light Grey.
- Erusea: Two tone grey camouflage used by the Rafale B. (Unlock: Win a total of 50 Team Deathmatch matches in multiplayer)
- Special: Solid black fuselage, based on the Rafale C01 prototype’s paint scheme from 1991 to 1996. (Unlock: Shoot down CHASSEUR)
- Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings.
- Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings.
- Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings.
- ★ Alicorn: All-over black with a red tail and Alicorn markings.
- ★ Espada: Espada Team livery
- ★ Shining Wing: Rafale M "SHINING WING"/-Golden Gale-
gold livery with a metallic sheen
Gallery
Cockpit view of a lightning strike
A Rafale M struck by lightning
A Rafale M struck by lightning
Skin 03 - Special (CHASSEUR)
Ace Combat Infinity
- "This high performance, omnirole, carrier-based aircraft is the pride of the French Navy. Possessing high level of acceleration and turning performance, and equipped with the large quantity of arms including air-to-air missiles and long-range dispenser weapons, this aircraft plays a large role in any kind of air-to-ground or air-to-air mission. Called by the name Rafale (squall), its elegant delta and canard wings and superb aerodynamically shaped air-intake, are distinguishing characteristics."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Reach First Lieutenant, complete all of the research, then purchase from Aircraft Tree.
| Lv.
|
Cst
|
Price
|
GUN
|
MSL
|
HCAA
|
SOD
|
LASM
|
SP
|
MO
|
ST
|
AA
|
AG
|
DF
|
| 1 |
650 |
453,560 |
90 |
120 |
12 |
– |
– |
D+ |
D+ |
D+ |
C |
D |
E
|
| 2 |
691 |
34,410 |
98 |
122 |
16 |
– |
– |
D+ |
C |
C |
C |
D+ |
E
|
| 3 |
732 |
51,620 |
107 |
124 |
20 |
– |
– |
C |
C |
C |
C |
D+ |
E+
|
| 4 |
773 |
106,360 |
116 |
126 |
24 |
13 |
– |
C+ |
C+ |
C+ |
C+ |
C |
D
|
| 5 |
814 |
172,040 |
125 |
130 |
28 |
14 |
– |
B |
C+ |
C+ |
C+ |
C |
D+
|
| 6 |
855 |
469,200[a] |
134 |
134 |
32 |
16 |
– |
B |
B |
C+ |
C+ |
C |
C
|
| 7 |
896 |
304,980 |
143 |
136 |
36 |
17 |
20 |
B+ |
B |
B |
C+ |
C+ |
C+
|
| 8 |
937 |
442,620 |
152 |
138 |
40 |
18 |
22 |
B+ |
B+ |
B |
B |
B |
B
|
| 9 |
978 |
664,700 |
161 |
142 |
42 |
19 |
23 |
A |
A |
B |
B |
B |
B+
|
| 10 |
1019 |
999,400 |
171 |
146 |
44 |
20 |
24 |
A |
A |
B |
B |
B |
A
|
| 11 |
1066 |
1,986,280 |
180 |
150 |
46 |
21 |
25 |
A+ |
A+ |
B+ |
B+ |
B+ |
A
|
| 12 |
1113 |
1,485,800 |
189 |
154 |
48 |
22 |
26 |
A+ |
A+ |
A |
B+ |
B+ |
A+
|
| 13 |
1160 |
2,690,080 |
198 |
158 |
50 |
23 |
27 |
S |
S |
A |
B+ |
B+ |
S
|
| 14 |
1207 |
3,706,680 |
207 |
162 |
52 |
24 |
28 |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A |
A |
S
|
| 15 |
1254 |
4,660,720 |
217 |
166 |
56 |
26 |
30 |
S+ |
S+ |
A+ |
A |
A |
S+
|
| 16 |
1316 |
7,006,720 |
224 |
168 |
58 |
27 |
31 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A |
A |
S+
|
| 17 |
1375 |
8,007,680 |
232 |
170 |
60 |
28 |
32 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A+ |
S+
|
| 18 |
1434 |
9,008,640 |
240 |
172 |
62 |
29 |
33 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A+ |
S+
|
| 19 |
1493 |
11,511,040 |
248 |
174 |
64 |
30 |
34 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
S |
S++
|
| 20 |
1552 |
14,513,920 |
256 |
176 |
68 |
32 |
36 |
S++ |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
S |
S++
|
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 29 BODY, 29 ARMS, and 29 MISC part slots. See Tuning § Slot Expansion for further information.
- Nicknames
- Upgrading this aircraft to these levels unlocked the respective nicknames for use at any time.
- Lv.3: The Wind of Battle
- Lv.10: Freedom & Love
- Lv.15: Omniscient
- Lv.20: Secret Service
Skin Galleries
Description
- Gray body
Gallery
Description
- Espada Team livery
Availability
Gallery
Banner advertising the "Espada" Skin, the
Typhoon "Rot" Skin and the
F/A-18F "Grun" Skin
Description
- Rafale B two-tone gray camouflage
Availability
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
- "First "omnirole" combat aircraft, land or carrier based, designed to be used simultaneously for air-combat and surface-attacks during the same mission."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 12: Seagull. Costs 59,200 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Named Pilots
Colors
- C01: Gray livery.
- C02: Green version of the AC5 Yuktobanian Rafale camo.
- C03: "Hayate" livery from Ace Combat: Joint Assault; black body with kanji character "疾風" (gale) in midsection.
- C04: Green/brown camouflage
- C05: Ice blue variation of Color 3
- C06: Pink/dark green variation of Color 4
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
- "This high performance, omnirole, carrier-based aircraft is the pride of the French Navy. Possessing high level acceleration and turning performance, and equipped with a large quantity of arms including multi lock-on, air-to-air missiles, and long-range dispenser weapons, this craft plays a large role in any kind of air-to-ground or air-to-air mission. Called by the name "Rafale (squall)," its elegant delta and canard wings, and superb aerodynamically shaped air-intake, are distinguishing characteristics."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Unlocked at the beginning of "Pipeline".
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Mobility: High
- Stability: Medium-High
- Fire Power: High
- Defense: Medium-High
Weapons
- MSSL x198
- 6AAM x28
- BDSP x18
- LAGM x20
- Flares x6
Colors
- Color 1: Standard Rafale gray.
- Color 2: Gray Rafale B camouflage with Marine/Aeronavale markings
- Color 3: Rafale A livery.
- Color 4: Tiger Pattern (DLC)
Gallery
Color 2 - Rafale B style camouflage
Color 3 - Rafale A livery
Ace Combat: Joint Assault
- "The very first omnirole Navy aircraft characterized by stealth and twin engined delta-wing."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 12A: Nightwatch (12A). Costs $74,000.
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Air-to-Air: Medium
- Air-to-Ground: Superior
- Mobility: Medium-High
- Stability: Medium
- Defense: Medium
Weapons[13]
- STDM x108
- LGWM x144 — costs 6,000 credits; unlocked after one sortie with STDM
- HACM x72 — costs 11,800 credits; unlocked after one sortie with LGWM, or two sorties with STDM
- HVWM x36 — costs 12,900 credits; unlocked after one sortie with HACM, or three sorties with LGWM and/or STDM
- GPB x14
- SOD x11 — costs 22,800 credits; unlocked after two sorties with GPB
- LASM x13 — costs 31,200 credits; unlocked after two sorties with SOD, or three sorties with GPB
- XMAA x32 — costs 98,000 credits; unlocked after two sorties with LASM, or four sorties with SOD and/or GPB
Colors
- C01: Light gray livery.
- C02: Gray camouflage from previous games.
- C03: Rafale B style green camouflage.
- C04: Black body with blue leading edge and tailfin stripes. Inspired by the Rafale A prototype.
- C05: Black body with kanji character "疾風" (gale) in midsection.
- C06: Espada Squadron livery.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Flyby over Serbian mountains
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
- "A carrier-based aircraft known as "Squall", Distinguishing characteristics include a flowing delta wing and canard design, and an aerodynamically conformed air intake. Its ergonomically designed cockpit has earned it high regard among pilots. The Rafale M offers quick response control thanks to a compact turning radius and agile maneuverability. Its large wing surface provides extra storage space for high performance missiles and dispenser munitions. This multirole aircraft is well suited for prolonged scale missions."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete "Heavy Command Cruiser". Costs 90,000 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
Named pilots
Gallery
The Rafale M with Estovakia SP colors
Skin 3 - Estovakia SP (Vega)
Skin 4 - Espada <Pack 10>
Skin 5 - Razgriz <Pack 05>
Skin 6 - Shining Wing <Pack 09>
Skin 7 - The Idolmaster Iori <Pack 07>
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
- "The very first omnirole Navy aircraft characterized by stealth and twin engined delta-wing."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 10A: Joint Operation. Costs 35,100 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Skins
- Aurelia: Light gray livery.
- Leasath: Gray camouflage from AC5 and ACZ's Soldier skin.
- Special 1: Green-shaded Rafale B camouflage
- Special 2: Black body with red and blue stripes. Rafale A design with inverted fuselage color
Named Pilots
- Tyrant - Found in Wild Card. Spawns after the mission update only if the ALC take no damage.
Gallery
A Rafale M preparing to take off
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
- "A multirole, carrier-based aircraft characterized by its delta wing and canards. A well-balanced plane that can handle a wide range of missions. Its name roughly translates as "Squall.""
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 15: The Talon of Ruin. Costs 103,500 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: 76
- Mobility: 84
- Stability: 73
- Defense: 69
- Air-to-Air: 60
- Air-to-Ground: 84
Weapons
Named Pilots
Colors
- Standard: Rafale C.01 black livery.
- Mercenary: Light gray livery.
- Soldier: Gray camouflage from AC5.
- Knight: Rafale A livery.
- Special: Espada Squadron livery.
Gallery
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
- "A multirole, carrier-based aircraft characterized by its delta wing and canards. A well-balanced plane that can handle a wide range of missions. Its name loosely translates to "Squall"."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 16B: Desert Lightning. Costs 21,200.
Statistics
- Speed: 71
- Mobility: 79
- Stability: 68
- Defense: 63
- Air-to-Air: 50
- Air-to-Ground: 84
Weapons
Colors
- Osea: Light gray livery.
- Razgriz: Black body.
- Yuktobania: Gray camouflage scheme.
Gallery
Razgriz color in the hangar
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
In this game, the Rafale M is known as the R-M01
- "Delta-wing carrier-based fighter with a large payload. Leading edge canards make it highly maneuverable."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 10: Tango Line. Costs 370,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: Medium-High
- Air-to-Air: Medium-High
- Air-to-Ground: Medium
- Mobility: Medium-High
- Stability: Medium
- Defense: High
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Rafale C.01 charcoal black.
- Enemy: Green-shaded Rafale B camouflage.
- Special: White body with blue and red stripes; replica of the Rafale A prototype. Costs 481,000 credits.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Erusean color scheme hangar
Ace Faye color scheme hangar
Ace Combat 2
In this game, the Rafale M is known as the R-M01
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 10: Toy Box on normal mode. Costs $135,000.
Statistics
- Power: 70
- Defense: 40
- Mobility: 50
- Stability: 40
- Climbing Ability: 70
- Air-to-Air: 60
- Air-to-Ground: 60
- Duration of flight: 18 minutes
- Absorbability: Normal
Weapons
Named Pilots
Gallery
Trivia
- The Rafale M is used as one of the cover aircraft of Ace Combat: Joint Assault and on the PAL cover of the other Ace Combat games in the French version except Distant Thunder and Assault Horizon.
- The Rafale M in earlier games prior to Joint Assault is not modeled with OSF sensors in front of the windshield. However its variant Rafale B is modeled with the said sensors in the older Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
- In Ace Combat 7, the Rafale M now uses the MICA IR as the standard missile model, replacing the R550 Magic II used by the aircraft's incarnation in previous titles. This change is also applied to the Mirage 2000-5.
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
References
Hangar view
Cockpit
Instruments
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit view of a lightning strike
A Rafale M struck by lightning
A Rafale M struck by lightning
A Rafale M taking off
A Rafale M taking off
A Rafale M taking off
Flyby
Skin 01 - Osea
Skin 02 - Erusea
Skin 03 - Special (CHASSEUR)
Skin 04 - Mage
Skin 05 - Spare
Skin 06 - Strider
Skin 07 - Alicorn
Skin 08 - Espada
Skin 09 - Shining Wing
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