4 ms·

Specifically C is for takeoff/landing on CATOBAR (Catapult-assisted take-off barrier-arrested recovery) carriers. All nations other than the US buy the B varian

• lloeki 3y ago
  > All nations other than the US buy the B variant for their carrier forces as they don't have catapult carriers (or can't/aren't interested in the F-35). France has CATOBAR on Charles de Gaulle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_aircraft_carrier_Charles_de_Gaulle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_aircraft_carrier_Charle... While they won't buy F35 this can matter for joint operations. > As of July 2021, Charles de Gaulle was the only non-American carrier-vessel that had a catapult launch system, which has allowed for operation of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and C-2 Greyhounds of the United States Navy. Similarly Rafale M (for "Marine" a.k.a French navy) is CATOBAR and cleared for U.S. carriers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Rafale#Variants https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Rafale#Variants > Similar to Rafale C, but with modifications to allow operations from CATOBAR - equipped aircraft carriers. For carrier operations, the M model has a strengthened airframe, longer nose gear leg to provide a more nose-up attitude, larger tailhook between the engines, and a built-in boarding ladder. Consequently, the Rafale M weighs about 500 kg (1,100 lb) more than the Rafale C. It is the only non-US fighter type cleared to operate from the decks of US carriers, using catapults and their arresting gear, as demonstrated in 2008 when six Rafales from Flottille 12F integrated into the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Air Wing interoperability exercise.