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.
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 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 utlized 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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Infinity 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.."
"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."
"First "omnirole" combat aircraft, land or carrier based, designed to be used simultaneously for air-combat and surface-attacks during the same mission."
"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."
"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."
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
Tyrant
Underside
Cockpit
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
A Rafale M preparing to take off
Aurelia color
Leasath color
Special 1 color
Special 2 color
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.""
"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"."
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.
In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, 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.
Footnotes
↑Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.