Academy 12655 - 1:144 Rafale M

Plastic model kit of the Dassault Rafale M carrier-borne fighter in 1:144 scale

Academy 12655 is a plastic model kit for self-assembly representing the Dassault Rafale M – the carrier-borne version of the French multirole fighter, operating from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. This is a 2026 Academy boxing; the moulds come from the Revell 04033 kit of 1999, later also released by Ace Corporation. The box contains one model.

The airframe captures the distinctive Rafale silhouette with its delta wing and canards. The parts are laid out on two plastic sprues plus a clear sprue. A low parts count and straightforward breakdown mean the model builds quickly – a good option for a first 1:144 kit or for expanding a collection of modern fighters.

The waterslide decal sheet allows four marking options for French naval aviation (Aéronavale) aircraft to be reproduced, including one machine in a commemorative scheme marking 1,000 flight hours.

What's in the box:

• 2 sprues of plastic parts
• One clear sprue
• Waterslide decal sheet for 4 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Marking options:

• Flottille 12F, aircraft no. 2, commemorative scheme marking 1,000 flight hours
• Flottille 12F, aircraft no. 6
• Flottille 11F, aircraft no. 31
• Flottille 17F, aircraft no. 32

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:144
• Catalogue number: 12655
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Assembled length: approx. 106 mm
• Assembled wingspan: approx. 75 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a small, simply engineered model that works well as a starter kit. Assembly calls for no advanced techniques, though it is worth spending a moment on careful alignment of the fuselage halves and the air intakes and on cleanly sanding the sprue gate marks. The smallest parts – landing gear legs, the arrestor hook, sensors – are easiest to handle in 1:144 with a pair of fine modelling tweezers.

For painting we suggest the greys typical of French carrier aircraft: a light grey underside and a darker grey on the upper surfaces, with more pronounced accents on the commemorative option. Decals are usually applied over a gloss coat, which prevents decal silvering – particularly relevant on the elaborate commemorative scheme, where the sheet includes large solid areas. The model is normally finished with a satin varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Fine modelling tweezers for small parts
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for the decals and satin varnish for the final finish
• Decal setting and softening solutions
• Modelling wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Dassault Rafale M:

The Rafale M is the carrier-borne version of the French multirole fighter, developed for naval aviation. The Rafale M01 prototype first flew on 12 December 1991, and catapult trials were also carried out in the United States. The variant entered service in 2001 with Flottille 12F and flew its first combat missions from the carrier Charles de Gaulle over Afghanistan in 2002.

Compared with the land-based Rafale C, the naval variant differs chiefly in its twin-wheel nose gear with a jump-strut leg and a catapult launch bar, an arrestor hook under the rear fuselage, and strengthened, lengthened main landing gear legs. The rear fuselage structure was reinforced, a built-in boarding ladder was fitted and corrosion protection was extended. As a result the carrier version is roughly 350–500 kg heavier than the land-based one and has 13 hardpoints instead of 14.

The Rafale M is a genuinely multirole design: it carries MICA missiles in infrared and radar-guided versions, long-range Meteor missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Composites account for around 70% of the structure. French naval aviation operates about 41 aircraft in three flotillas – 11F, 12F and 17F – based at Landivisiau.

Original aircraft specifications (Dassault Rafale M):

• Length: 15.27 m
• Wingspan: 10.80 m
• Height: 5.34 m
• Empty weight: approx. 10,200 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 2 x Safran M88-2 turbofans, approx. 50 kN dry and 75 kN with afterburner each
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 1.8
• Combat radius: approx. 1,850 km
• Internal armament: Nexter 30M791 30 mm cannon, rate of fire 2,500 rounds per minute
• External armament: MICA missiles (infrared and radar-guided), long-range Meteor missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles
• Hardpoints: 13
• Composites: approx. 70% of the structure
• Operator: French naval aviation – around 41 aircraft in three flotillas (11F, 12F, 17F) based at Landivisiau

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy is one of the largest plastic model manufacturers in South Korea, active on the market since 1969. The company built its position on a broad catalogue covering aircraft, armoured vehicles, ships, cars and figures in all the popular scales – from large collector kits to compact 1:144 models. Academy kits are valued for a sensible balance between parts count and final result, and for clear, illustrated assembly instructions, which makes them a frequent choice for modellers starting out in the hobby. The brand consistently develops new tooling while also reissuing proven kits with new decal sheets and boxings. The catalogue covers both historic types and modern machines, including aircraft operated by the Korean and American air forces. Academy products are available in dozens of countries and are a permanent fixture in model shops worldwide.