In 1988, the French government awarded Dassault Aviation a contract for four pre-production Rafale aircraft (one Rafale C, two Rafale Ms and one Rafale B) fora test and validation programme. The single-seat Rafale C (chasseur, meaning "fighter") first flew in 1991 and was displayed at the Farnborough Airshow the following year.

Designed as a result of the ACX (Avion de Combat Experimentale) program prior to France's withdrawl from the EFA project, the Rafale was first flown on July 4th, 1986. The Rafale is multi-role fighter for the Franch Air Force and Navy, capable of handling missions from reconnaissance to air supremacy to nuclear deterrence. The Rafale built on Dassault's expertise with delta-winged fighter design, adding a forward canard to improve maneuverability and reduce approach speeds for carrier operations. The Rafale's advanced avionics and and limited stealth capabilities are expected to secure it as the primary combat aircraft for the French Air Force and Navy until at least 2040.

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
  
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.

Dimensions: 15.1 x 21.3 x 7.5 cm