French multi-role fighter Dassault Rafale A COBI 5931 - Armed Forces 1:48

RAFALE A MODEL TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR | COBI 5931

Model kit of the Rafale A fighter in French Navy camouflage as captured in photographs during its maiden flight on July 4, 1986. The model features adjustable control surfaces, an opening cockpit canopy, and fixed landing gear legs that can be easily removed. R550 air-to-air missiles are mounted on the wingtips. The package also includes a specially adapted "half-figure" of test pilot Guy Mitaux-Maurouard. The assembled model can stand on its own landing gear, or on a display stand with a description.

Did you know that:

In 1983, France, Italy, Great Britain, and Germany joined forces to develop a new multirole  fighter aircraft that would surpass the most modern Russian machines. France withdrew from the cooperation and worked on its own project, which resulted in the Rafale fighter. The aircraft is designed to carry all available types of weapons to ensure air superiority. One of many versions is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The Rafale project differs from other European projects in that it was completely developed by a single country. Many technologies such as the search beam and the active RBE radar were developed specially for Rafale aircraft.

Gradually, various versions were prepared for both the French Air Force and Navy. The first units entered service on May 18, 2001, and production is still ongoing. The aircraft was designed to be naturally unstable, which provides excellent maneuverability. Up to 70% of the materials on the aircraft are lightweight and strong composites. The installed engines feature a thermal signature reduction system, making them harder to detect by heat-seeking missiles. All information from the control panels can be displayed on the pilot's helmet. The fighter is equipped with the SPECTRA defense system, which can identify threats at long distances. Thanks to up to 5 auxiliary tanks and in-flight refueling capability, it has an almost unlimited operational radius.

More than 250 units in various versions have been produced to date.

Currently, the Rafale is in service in France, Egypt, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Qatar, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates.

Technical parameters: 

• dimensions: wingspan 11.2 m, length 15.8 m, height 5.18 m
• propulsion 2x GE F404-GE-400 turbojet engine with 2x 45 kN thrust
• empty weight 9,850 kg, maximum takeoff weight 24,500 kg
• operational radius 2,000 km
• maximum range 3,700 km
• maximum speed 2,390 km/h
• service ceiling 15,235 m
• rate of climb 304.8 m/s
• fixed weapon Giat 30/M791 30 mm cannon
• number of weapon hardpoints 14

From the memories of test pilot G. Mitaux-Maurouard on the first flight on July 4, 1986:

"I felt enormous stress, much like a singer or theater actor before going on stage. Thousands of people worked on that aircraft for two years, doing extremely precise and meticulous work… and you just say to yourself: 'I mustn't break their toy. Before the first flight, we were worried about how stable the new fly-by-wire system would be. After lifting off the ground, it was clear that our worries were unnecessary." 

About the COBI building set:

• COBI 5931 kit consists of 453 high-quality ABS parts
• number of figures 0 
• Armed Forces collection 1:48
• pad printed - no stickers
• faithful reproduction
• manufactured in the EU
• compatible with other building block brands