India-Pakistan War: How Much Fuel Does A Rafale Jet Burn Per Hour?
Powered by twin M88-2 engines with 16,850 pounds-force thrust, the Rafale hits Mach 1, carries up to 24.5 tonnes, and holds 11.4 tonnes of fuel in internal and drop tanks
As India and Pakistan hurtle into another war following India’s Operation Sindoor, a high-precision strike that hit terror launchpads nearly 200 km deep into Pakistani territory without crossing the border, public interest has surged in the advanced military assets that made such an operation possible.
Central to this strategic success were the Rafale fighter jets, equipped with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, including the French-made MBDA Scalp cruise missiles and India’s indigenous Gandiva.
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First inducted in 2020 to much national pride, the Rafale fleet significantly boosted the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. With cutting-edge avionics, radar systems, and weapons, the Rafale remains one of the most formidable fighter aircraft in the world and a crucial asset in India’s evolving military doctrine.
Engine And Top Speed
Derived from the French word meaning ‘gust of wind’, the Rafale is powered by two M88-2 engines, each generating a thrust of 16,850 pound-force. The aircraft boasts an impressive top speed of Mach 1.8, equivalent to 2,222 km/h.
Key Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 2,222 km/h
- Ferry Range: 3,700 km
- Landing Ground Run: 450 metres
- Wingspan: 10.9 metres
- Length: 15.3 metres
- Height: 5.3 metres
- Empty Weight: 10 tonnes
- Maximum Take-Off Weight: 24.5 tonnes
- External Load Capacity: 9.5 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 11.4 tonnes
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet
How Much Fuel Does It Consume Per Hour
In terms of fuel consumption, the Rafale’s usage varies with flight conditions. During cruising flight, it consumes around 2,500 litres of fuel per hour, while manoeuvres or afterburner use can push this to 9,000 litres per hour.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the French-built Rafale has proven its mettle in various theatres of combat, including Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Mali and Libya. Classified as a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, it is described as an ‘omnirole’ aircraft, capable of performing multiple missions within a single sortie.
The Rafale’s dual M88-2 engines provide a combined thrust of 16,850 pound-force, enabling the aircraft to achieve speeds up to Mach 1. Its maximum take-off weight is 24.5 tonnes, and it can house 11.4 tonnes of fuel across its internal tanks and external drop tanks. With three drop tanks, the Rafale can attain a ferry range of 3,700 km.
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