New CFTs Extend Rafale Strike Range

Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Dassault has revealed an extended-range version of the Rafale, fitted with sleek new conformal fuel tanks (CFTs). This new design has been developed in response to a specific current customer requirement, but Dassault declines to identify that customer beyond saying, it is not for the French Air Force.

"The CFTs hold a total of 2,000 kg of fuel (1,250 liters). In a deep strike configuration carrying two Scalp stand-off missiles, three fuel tanks and six Mica missiles, the CFTs improve Rafale's range by 10% to 15%, pushing it out to 1,000 nmi. The CFT modification can be applied to both single- and two-seat Rafales. Wind tunnel testing of the new configuration is now complete, and flight testing, though not firmly scheduled, is expected "soon."

By Robert Hewson