Thales innovations
•The largest sensor onboard the Rafale is the new generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) RBE2 radar. The RBE2 will give the Rafale the capability to track all targets in the radar field of view, irrespective of the relative location between targets and host aircraft.
•Thales’s Front-Sector Optronics (FSO) system is fully integrated into the Rafale to provide covert long-range detection and identification, high-resolution angular tracking and laser range-finding for air, sea and ground targets.
•The Rafale is also equipped with the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, giving the aircraft a multi-spectral threat warning capability against hostile radars, missiles and lasers.
•The Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU) is the cornerstone of the upgradeability of the Rafale’s avionics/weapon capabilities. Its architecture makes for a system that is highly adaptable, allowing straightforward integration of new avionics or new ordnance.
•The Damocles multifunction targeting pod draws on its laser designation function to give the Rafale full day and night laser-guided weapon capabilities. Damocles is interoperable with all existing laser-guided weapons and provides outstanding performance levels for long-distance recognition.
•The AREOS Reco NG (Airborne REconnaissance and Observation System) is designed to meet a full spectrum of global operational requirements and withstand diverse weather conditions and scenarios.
•Thales also supplies the mission debriefing system onboard the Rafale. This system simultaneously displays the aircraft’s trajectories in two and three dimensions via eight video displays and one audio emitter.
Tactical communications
•The Communication, Navigation, Identification (CNI) suite includes voice communications, Tactical Data Link, landing and radio navigation systems and Identification Friend and Foe (IFF) functions.
•Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions offer a secure source of tactical data, including situation awareness, command & control, electronic warfare, orders and reports, flight pass and fighter-to-fighter information. Among other key players in combined air operations, this data is used with fellow aircraft in the formation, airborne and surface command and control centres, forward air controllers, etc.
•Thales also supplies Combined Interrogator Transponders that are fully compliant with civil, NATO and/or national secure modes. The Rafale is equipped with an E-Scan version, which includes an Antenna Control Unit (ACU) for electronically steering the antenna.
In the cockpit
•Most of the Rafale’s cockpit displays are provided by Thales. For short-term actions, the Rafale pilot relies on the holographic wide field-of-view Head-Up Display (HUD). For medium and long-term actions, the multi-image Head-Level Display (HLD) allows analysis of the global tactical situation.
Electrical systems
•Thales has integrated variable frequency power generation technology onboard the Rafale to reduce the aircraft’s weight and maintenance costs. The system takes mechanical power from the engine of the aircraft and transforms it into electricity to power systems onboard, such as the Rafale’s electrical flight control systems. Fan Funding : PayPal : [email protected]. Thanks a lot for your support! 🙂
