Almost 90 years after entering French aviation history, the Renault Caudron Rafale took to the skies once more on 23 and 24 May at “Le Temps des Hélices” a major air show held in La Ferté-Alais, outside Paris. This first public flight of the legendary Renault Caudron Rafale C.460 underscores the unique ties between heritage, bold vision and a passion for engineering, values that have driven the Renault brand for over a century. This legacy is echoed today through Renault Rafale, the production model and brand flagship unveiled at the Paris Air Show on 18 June 2023.
To mark this maiden flight, Renault is releasing an immersive “making-of” video showing the behind-the-scenes preparations for this first take-off. Seen from a variety of perspectives with exclusive footage, this video highlights the technical, human and symbolic aspects of the event, while also establishing a link between Renault's aviation heritage and the ambitions expressed through its current range.
Behind-the-scenes preparations for the maiden flight of the Renault Caudron Rafale
The extensive programme to restore the iconic Renault Caudron Rafale C.460 began in July 2024. It was conducted by Aéro Restauration Service (ARS) in Dijon, under the management of pilot and restorer Bruno Ducreux. Preparing the aircraft for its return to the skies was a major operation, involving extensive work on the entire airframe: the chassis was completely dismantled, inspected and then reinforced prior to a successful dry-fit assembly. Following reassembly, the engine completed a series of successful start-ups, marking a key milestone in the restoration project. A number of ground and flight tests were also carried out before confirming that the Caudron Rafale C.460 would be ready to take to the skies again from May 2026.
An iconic aircraft, symbolising performance and daring
Designed in the 1930s, the Renault Caudron Rafale is recognised as a model of innovation and aerodynamic excellence. It made history in 1934 when Hélène Boucher set a new women's world speed record. The aircraft became the symbol of an era focused on performance, the modern age and the conquest of new technological frontiers.
By taking part in major air shows such as the event at La Ferté-Alais, the Caudron Rafale is reviving that same pioneering spirit, bringing to life an iconic chapter in France's industrial and technical heritage for the general public.
Rafale, a name rooted in the history of Renault
The decision in 2023 to revive the name of Rafale for the Renault range was not a coincidence. The name has been part of the brand's history since 1934, inherited from Renault's adventures in aviation (Rafale, a breath of fresh air in Renault's upmarket range). For nearly a century, it has expressed strong values: bold technological vision, innovation, performance and French excellence.
The name “Rafale” is powerful and evocative, bringing to mind the idea of wind, motion and aerodynamics. All these concepts are a perfect fit with the design, proportions and positioning of Renault Rafale, a model designed as the new strategic benchmark for Renault's premium ambitions.
A lineage showcased from the global premiere at the Paris Air Show
On 18 June 2023, Renault took the bold and significant decision to stage the global premiere of Renault Rafale at the Paris Air Show. This decisive move drew immediate attention, since the new model was displayed alongside the Renault Caudron Rafale aircraft. A unique event that took place in a setting created for the occasion, designed to showcase the connection between past and present, aviation and motoring. This memorable presentation lent a profound sense of history and emotion to the story behind this model (watch the press conference for Renault Rafale at Le Bourget).
Renault Rafale: an iconic brand model
With Renault Rafale, the brand is making its return to the D-segment and demonstrating the strength of its value-focused strategy. With its distinctive SUV coupé styling, dynamic proportions and high level of perceived quality, Rafale takes Renault into more emotive premium territory, expressing the rebirth of Renault's executive range.
A true showcase of the brand's technological expertise in Europe, Rafale plays a strategic role in promoting the image and credibility of the entire range. Available with or without a plug-in hybrid system, Rafale is the flag bearer of Renault's voitures à vivre. The advanced-performance “Atelier Alpine” version, developed in collaboration with Alpine engineers, was specifically designed for driving pleasure and efficiency. Its special chassis combines 4Control Advanced – self-adjusting smart suspension with four-wheel steering – and a permanent four-wheel drive system. At the same time, the new hyper-hybrid E-Tech plug-in powertrain offers the best of both worlds – combustion and electric – with a combined output of 300 hp from four sources (one combustion engine and three electric motors) and a range of up to 105 km in all-electric mode for everyday use.
A heritage programme spearheaded by La Collection Renault
The acquisition of this historic aircraft in March 2023 is part of a heritage programme led by The Originals Renault - La Collection.
Having restored the aircraft and made it airworthy, Renault is planning to fly it at various aviation events, much to the delight of enthusiasts. It will then be sent to Renault's Les Collections museum, which is due to open in late 2027 in Flins, outside Paris. Open to the general public, this unique museum will bring together hundreds of historic vehicles, objects, works of art and archive documents making up nearly 130 years of brand history (Renault groups its collections in a spectacular showcase).