Model Dassault Rafale M 1-144 - Academy

Detailed Presentation of the Dassault Rafale M Academy 12655 Model

Intended for enthusiasts of French military aviation, the Dassault Rafale M Academy model at 1/144 scale represents the naval version of the famous combat aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation.

This reference allows you to build a scale model of the fighter used by the French Navy from aircraft carriers.

Its compact format is suitable for modelers who wish to complete a collection of modern aircraft as well as those with limited display space.

A Plastic Kit Dedicated to the French Navy's Rafale

The Academy 12655 reference reproduces the Rafale M, recognizable by its characteristic aerodynamic configuration.

The model features a delta wing combined with canard planes placed at the front of the fuselage, an architecture that contributes to the maneuverability of this combat aircraft.

The single-seat cockpit, side air intakes, and two vertical fins are among the essential visual elements to be found during assembly.

This model is a repackage of the Ace Corporation brand kit.

It includes injected plastic parts to be assembled and painted, accompanied by an assembly manual and a decal sheet.

The kit offers four decorations allowing the representation of different aircraft of the French Naval Aviation.

Four Decorations of the French Naval Aviation

One of the interests of this Academy model lies in the different marking possibilities offered.

The modeler can choose from four aircraft associated with the French Navy's embarked fighter squadrons:

The first decoration represents a Rafale M from squadron 12F with a commemorative marking celebrating 1,000 flight hours.

The second concerns an aircraft from the same squadron, identified by number 6.

The other two options allow for the creation of an aircraft from squadron 11F, number 31, or squadron 17F, number 32.

These different liveries allow for varying the appearance of the model without altering its general configuration.

The choice of decoration can thus be oriented towards an operational aircraft or towards the commemorative version, more distinctive in a showcase dedicated to French aviation.

The History of the Dassault Rafale M and Carrier-Based Aviation

The Dassault Rafale is a multirole combat aircraft developed in France to meet the needs of the Air Force and the French Navy.

Its development has led to several versions, including the single-seat land-based Rafale C, the two-seat Rafale B, and the Rafale M intended for operations from an aircraft carrier.

The Rafale M is distinguished by the adaptations necessary for the constraints of naval aviation operations.

Its front landing gear is reinforced and equipped with a launch bar allowing it to be catapulted from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

It also has an arrestor hook and a structure adapted to the mechanical constraints of landings on a short and mobile runway.

Entered into service in the French Navy in 2001, the Rafale M has gradually replaced the older embarked fighters, notably the Super Étendard and the last F-8 Crusader.

Today, it constitutes a central element of the French embarked air group, with missions of air defense, reconnaissance, and air-to-ground or anti-ship strike.

Characteristics and Dimensions of the 1/144 Scale Model

The choice of 1/144 scale allows for the creation of a miniature Rafale M that is easy to display and preserve.

Once assembled, the model measures approximately 106 mm in length with a wingspan of about 75 mm.

These reduced dimensions also allow for the gathering of several French military aviation aircraft in the same showcase.

The Academy 12655 reference includes the plastic elements necessary for the construction of the Rafale M, an illustrated manual, and decals corresponding to the four proposed decorations.

This is a self-assembly model: the parts are delivered unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints, and modeling tools are therefore to be provided separately.

Assembly and Difficulty Level for Modelers

Thanks to its reduced format and relatively simple design, this Academy aircraft model is suitable for beginners as well as modelers wishing to complete an assembly without a particularly long project.

The difficulty level can be considered accessible, provided that the small parts characteristic of the 1/144 scale are carefully worked on.

To assemble the kit, it is advisable to have a pair of cutting pliers to detach the elements from the sprues, a precision cutter, a fine file, sandpaper, and glue for plastic models.

Tweezers facilitate the handling of small parts, especially those of the landing gear and arrestor hook.

A primer applied before painting helps to even out the surfaces and detect any assembly defects.

Painting and Finishing of the 1/144 Rafale M

Painting is an important step to restore the appearance of the French Navy's Rafale.

The operational devices mainly feature shades of gray, with variations between the upper and lower surfaces.

The cockpit, landing gear, air intakes, and nozzles require special attention due to their small size.

A fine brush allows for handling the smallest details, while an airbrush facilitates the even application of the main shades.

For decals, a coat of gloss varnish before application improves adhesion and limits the risk of whitish marks.

A matte or satin varnish finish then achieves a look consistent with that of an operational aircraft.

A model for a French military aviation collection

The Rafale M Academy 1/144 can be displayed on an individual base or integrated into a diorama dedicated to French naval air operations.

A scene representing part of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle can particularly highlight the uniqueness of this naval version.

Accessories at this scale, such as runway equipment, deck vehicles, or aviation personnel figures, can complete the presentation.

This model can also join a collection bringing together different generations of French fighter aircraft, from the Mirage 2000 to the Rafale.

With its four decoration options, compact format, and accessible assembly, the Academy 12655 reference is an interesting kit to discover or complete a collection of 1/144 scale military aircraft models.