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.