1:144 Rafale C

1:144 Rafale C, a plastic kit from Trumpeter

An injection-molded plastic kit of the modern French combat aircraft in 1:144 scale. The small scale makes it a rewarding model for a display case of contemporary jets, where the whole Rafale family and its rivals can stand side by side. The maker of the kit is Trumpeter.

The real subject

The Dassault Rafale C is the single-seat land-based version meant for the French Air Force. A cockpit for one pilot sets it apart from the two-seat Rafale B, and landing gear without the strengthening for a catapult and without an arrestor hook sets it apart from the carrier-borne Rafale M. Aerodynamically it is a delta wing with forward horizontal surfaces added, and the power comes from a pair of M88 jet engines with afterburners. The machine was conceived from the start as genuinely multirole: air combat, strikes on ground targets and reconnaissance are all within one sortie.

Building and painting tips

In 1:144 scale the cleanness of the surface counts for more than the number of details. Sand the fuselage and leading edge joints carefully and restore the engraved lines with a scriber after filling. Apply the gray camouflage with an airbrush in thin coats, so that the panel divisions are not lost, and prepare a gloss surface under the decals. A brush with a fine tip handles the small antennas, probes and lights better than an airbrush.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of modern European combat aircraft
• Modelers who are building a display case in one small scale
• Anyone after a shorter project between two large builds
• Anyone who enjoys aircraft with a delta wing and canards

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.