Dassault Rafale, tender | News & Discussions

[the rafter]

News of Rafale's engine failure at AeroIndia 2011 is true according to the Armée de l’Air (French Airforce) an engine sonde(sensor) needed replacement in a two hour operation performed by a crew of three.



Le détachement français en action sur le salon Aeroindia

I think you've quoted it out of context and misinterpreted the news.
Following is the entire news translated (french to english):

The French detachment in action on the show AeroIndia
Updated: 14/02/2011
There are countries where improvisation is law. An assertion that has been proven by the French detachment deployed AeroIndia airshow in Bangalore in southern India.

Nearly three weeks full time, were necessary logistics coordinator, Lieutenant Gaëtan Esseric and head of the device, Lieutenant-Colonel Loïc Lemercier
prepare for the mission. Definition of needs, delivery of support equipment and personnel, taking into account housing, food, passes…everything must be carefully defined in advance. Before departure, a deployment plan, the backbone of the detachment, is established. "This mission was called in too short a time to perform before a recognition site, said Lt. Esseric. We developed an estimate from France, taking into account the scheduled flight activity and resources offered by the Yelahanka air base. Thorough preparation and accurate is the main ingredient for a mission goes smoothly, said the young officer.And add realistic: "But you can never predict everything, you also know how to adapt! »

Besides three drivers whose Rafale Solo Display presenter and coach, the detachment has a service specialist species of hosts, a logistics cell refueling technique airbase Mont-de-Marsan and a computer specialist in application Scrooge.Eight rifle-squad commandos protecting Metz also provide a permanent 24/24 on the site to ensure the facilities, equipment and aircraft. Finally, ten sub-engineer officers, handpicked, ensure the implementation and maintenance of two Rafale air force deployed for the occasion. Whether ringmaster, specialty "avionics", "vector", "engine" or "dealers" airmen work from morning to night, the rhythm of flight activity of dense living. Indeed, every day Solo Display provides two flights of presentation, which can be added theft by the manufacturer Dassault Aviation under an agreement. A total of thirteen flights were operated by the French detachment, an intense pace could be possible sansler work of each individual team. As proof, some corrective maintenance operations were performed by mechanics Rafale over days. "Thanks to Scrooge that offers a fast and reliable approach to any breakdowns of the Rafale, we noted that a probe engine had to be changed, said Maj. Philip Use. We requested an emergency center continuously monitoring support based in Mérignac, sending the necessary equipment to perform the act of maintenance.After receiving the Bangalore International Airport, only three mechanics were sufficient to remove the engine from the aircraft, changing room and asked the engine again. After only two hours of intervention and checks, the pilot was able to secure its Rafale flight presentation of the afternoon. " That day on the parking of aircraft, international experts in aircraft maintenance have watched with interest all stages of the operation, noting the calm and professionalism of the French aviators.The Rafale has come off endorse the effectiveness of maneuvering.

For the 29 airmen, pilots of Rafale, mechanics, commandos or frames, the show will AeroIndia not been easy. But thanks to their capacity to anticipate, adapt and respond, they were able to complete their mission.
Le détachement français en action sur le salon Aeroindia

Since technical issues are not uncommon in fighter jets and also considering they flew from France (in 9 hrs) to participate in Aero India. If at all, the article actually praises Rafale for its ease to resolve the engine issue in a matter of 2 hrs that required only 3 mechanics.

 

[sancho]

Its true that Dassault is producing Rafale at a low rate, that means they have not set up big production line. How can they increase production when their is no facility on ground. Just for the information, no country will set up a separate production or increase the capacity of present one just to meet the demand of a single country.

People are talking about good ToT in French case. But the truth is French are also not so good. French companies are making fool of offset policy and not to mention the DCNS reluctance to offer technology.

The thing is we don't know whom to trust on ToT except Russia but we are not buying Mig35.

And now check this:

France offers to supply 40 Rafale fighters to IAF

January 25, 2008


As President Nicolas Sarkozy began talks with Indian leaders to boost Indo-French ties, a French company Friday offered to sell 40 of its new generation Rafale fighters to New Delhi on a fast track basis to help IAF maintain its combat edge.

The offer was made by Charles Edelstennie, scion of the Dassult family, the makers of the Rafale and Mirage fighters. "We know the Indian Air Force, with which we have a decade-long close association, is facing force depletion. So we are ready to supply 40 Rafales, the world's first omni-role fighters to India, in a short span of time", the chairman and chief executive of Dassult, a multi-billion French military and civil aerospace company, told PTI.

Edelastennie said Rafale fighters could be an interim sale to India as New Delhi finalises preparations to acquire 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft at an estimated cost of $10 billion (about Rs 40,000 crore).

"We estimate delays in procurements of these 126 fighters. So we are offering the Rafale fighters as interim arrangement", he said.

The government has already cleared a contract for purchase of 40 additional SU-30MKI to maintain an effective air combat strength.

Terming the Rafale fighter supply as a "friendly gesture to help close friend India," Edelstennie said his company was a strong bidder for India's MCRA contract.

Rubbishing notions that Rafale came with a heavy price tag, the Dassult CEO said "the fighters' cost to efficiency was not high. New Delhi would get a cheaper price tag as the fighters' assembly in India under technology transfer would not be high".

"Rafale is very close to life cycle cost of Mirage 2000," the French CEO, who is part of the 60-strong captains of French Industry accompanying President Sarkozy, said.

Describing Rafale as a truly multi-role aircraft, Edelstennie said the fighter had air to air, air to ground as well as air to sea capability, which would allow IAF the liberty of using fewer aircraft for multi-tasking. He said France had always been a "friend in need for India.

We have been transferring weapon platforms and systems to you even in adverse international conditions," the Dassult CEO said.

He claimed all the French military supplies to India were coming without "any strings attached" unlike sales from US and Russia.

On Rafale sales offer to India, Edelstennie said this was not the only gesture made by the French. "A couple of years ago we thrice made an offer to India to transfer the entire Mirage-2000 assembly lines and also the entire export rights of the fighters," he said. "We see and feel the regret now. It was a golden opportunity which your then government did not utilize," the French CEO claimed.

Edelastennie asserted that unlike the US fighters in contention for the Indian contract, Rafale was a generation ahead. "It is fulfilling the needs and tasks of the French air force and navy globally."...

France offers to supply 40 Rafale fighters to IAF


Regarding not providing ToT and fooling us on offsets, lets once again look at what we get from them:

- Jaguar, from France and UK, the French company then is now Dassault Aviation (licence production)
- Cheethak helicopter (licence production)
- Shakti engine (licence production)
- Scorpene subs (licence production)
- Kaveri - Snecma engine (co-development)
- Maitri SAM (co-development)
- Topsight I HMS (JV)
- several avionics parts to upgrade Russian fighters
- design consultancy for Tejas
- weapons for Dhruv and LCH
- and of course the highly praised Mirage 2000


And this is the list of arms and tecs on offer at the moment:

- 126 to 200 Rafale for IAF, 40 for IN (licence production)
- 197 EC Fennec (licence production)
- 6 x A330 MRTT
- 8 x Dassault Falcon MPA (were on offer in the initial competition)
- Dassault consultancy for AURA UCAV
- Airbus A400 transporter (could have been, possibly still join as launch partner)
- EC Panther for IN and ICG
- additional Scorpene subs
- hopefully Mistral class LHDs
- EDA-R amphibious landing vehicles
- Caesar self-propelled howitzer for IA
- Thales co-development for Tejas AESA radar
- MBDA France is keen for further weapon co-developments


I'm sure I missed some more, but even this list should impressive enought and should make clear, that apart from Russia, not only France as a country, but also their companies were the best choices for us in terms of capability, quality, reliability, licence production, co-developments and JVs. They are not perfect of course, but so is Russia, or any other country, even India!

However, that also shows why they would be an excellent strategic partner for India, because they can offer everything what Russia offers, with the same reliability and the same advantages of co-developments, partnerships... That means bounding France and their defense industy as a second strategic partner on us (besides Russia), would be the best decision we could take to improve the capabilities of our forces and our own industry!

That's exactly why I prefer Rafale and France, because Rafale is the best choice for our forces as a fighter and France as a country to remain independent. It's simply the best package! ! !

 

[ajay]

The Pioneer :: Home : >> IAF set to soar again

India should buy the best planes. But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may force US aircraft upon the Air Force.

 

[dbc]

I think you've quoted it out of context and misinterpreted the news.

Since technical issues are not uncommon in fighter jets and also considering they flew from France (in 9 hrs) to participate in Aero India. If at all, the article actually praises Rafale for its ease to resolve the engine issue in a matter of 2 hrs that required only 3 mechanics.

The original report of technical problems appeared on the EuroFighter site and was posted by Spark aka Benny on the Aero India 2011 thread. I didn't believe it at first because the news appeared on a competitors website, but it has now been confirmed by Armée de l’Air.

The EuroFighter website had this to say, the below remark is quite disparaging and should be removed.

Not like the French Rafale - forced to use the spare aircraft after the first one failed the pre-take off checks and that cut its display short probably for some issue also with the second aircraft - the EF at Aero India was without any problems, confirming the "traditional" reliability of the system when deployed also so far from the main base.

http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/79898-aero-india-2011-a-24.html#post1476439

Eurofighter: Aero India 2011 Blog


What part of my original quote is out of context?

News of Rafale's engine failure at AeroIndia 2011 is true according to the Armée de l’Air (French Airforce) an engine sonde(sensor) needed replacement in a two hour operation performed by a crew of three.

Is it not true that the engine failed and had to taken out,a part flown in for replacement by a three person crew in an operation that took two hours to complete? What did I say that is 'out of context'?

If you're familiar with the 'Butterfly effect' you'll know what I mean.
A minor event (technical snag) may result in a significant undesired outcome. Complex machines fail sometimes, but when it fails in the presence of a prospective customer about to place a substantial order it is embarrassing. Worse it happened at an international air show in the presence of journalist, aviation enthusiast and competitors. Competitors that will not hesitate to exploit the event to trash the Rafale and introduce doubts in the customers mind. Eurofighter has already taken advantage to further its own cause - others will follow.

Did the Typhoon, Gripen, F-16 or F/A-18 E/F experience technical failures at AeroIndia 2011? May be, but even if it did; it isn't public knowledge. Besides each vendor brought a second aircraft to the show to mitigate the risk of technical failures with the possible exception of the F-16 and the F/A-18 E/F the other MMRCA contenders were prepared to switch aircrafts at a moments notice.The second F/A-18's wasn't available as a stand by because it was transformed in a five hour operation into the International Road Map Hornet 'mock up' the evening before opening day. The Rafale isn't the only aircraft that flew great distances to participate, the Typhoon flew in from Italy,the F-16 from UAE and US, the Gripen from Sweden and the F/A-18 F that participated in the air show belongs to the VFA-106 Gladiators, based at Naval Air Station Oceana Virginia.

You may not think its a big deal but the news has already reached potential markets such as Brazil. Nelson Jobim will now find it even harder to justify the Rafale to an increasingly reluctant President.

 

[baker]

rafale all the way......

 

[luckyyy]

Its true that Dassault is producing Rafale at a low rate, that means they have not set up big production line. How can they increase production when their is no facility on ground. Just for the information, no country will set up a separate production or increase the capacity of present one just to meet the demand of a single country.

If Dassault win a couple of more projects or if India promise to increase the number in MMRCA competition, they we could expect Dassault to increase the production. But dassault will have no problem in India's license production.

People are talking about good ToT in French case. But the truth is French are also not so good. French companies are making fool of offset policy and not to mention the DCNS reluctance to offer technology.

The thing is we don't know whom to trust on ToT except Russia but we are not buying Mig35.

IAF is most femilier with MIG-29 and would know it's ture capabilities and shortcomes..
if russian had addressed all shortcomes of mig-29 in mig-35 , then no point why would we are not buying it..

i think it will come down between mig-35 and gripen in the end and infect favering the gripen in the contest that it offers the same weapons as other two europien contenders offering plus in future the engine and the radar can be replace by the JV prodects of kaveri and AESA..

 

[the rafter]

The original report of technical problems appeared on the EuroFighter site and was posted by Spark aka Benny on the Aero India 2011 thread. I didn't believe it at first because the news appeared on a competitors website, but it has now been confirmed by Armée de l’Air.

The EuroFighter website had this to say, the below remark is quite disparaging and should be removed.



http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/79898-aero-india-2011-a-24.html#post1476439

Eurofighter: Aero India 2011 Blog


What part of my original quote is out of context?



Is it not true that the engine failed and had to taken out,a part flown in for replacement by a three person crew in an operation that took two hours to complete? What did I say that is 'out of context'?

If you're familiar with the 'Butterfly effect' you'll know what I mean.
A minor event (technical snag) may result in a significant undesired outcome. Complex machines fail sometimes, but when it fails in the presence of a prospective customer about to place a substantial order it is embarrassing. Worse it happened at an international air show in the presence of journalist, aviation enthusiast and competitors. Competitors that will not hesitate to exploit the event to trash the Rafale and introduce doubts in the customers mind. Eurofighter has already taken advantage to further its own cause - others will follow.

Did the Typhoon, Gripen, F-16 or F/A-18 E/F experience technical failures at AeroIndia 2011? May be, but even if it did; it isn't public knowledge. Besides each vendor brought a second aircraft to the show to mitigate the risk of technical failures with the possible exception of the F-16 and the F/A-18 E/F the other MMRCA contenders were prepared to switch aircrafts at a moments notice.The second F/A-18's wasn't available as a stand by because it was transformed in a five hour operation into the International Road Map Hornet 'mock up' the evening before opening day. The Rafale isn't the only aircraft that flew great distances to participate, the Typhoon flew in from Italy,the F-16 from UAE and US, the Gripen from Sweden and the F/A-18 F that participated in the air show belongs to the VFA-106 Gladiators, based at Naval Air Station Oceana Virginia.

You may not think its a big deal but the news has already reached potential markets such as Brazil. Nelson Jobim will now find it even harder to justify the Rafale to an increasingly reluctant President.

See, don't get me wrong, I found it out of context because of the french link you posted (Le détachement français en action sur le salon Aeroindia) had nothing like you had quoted. I just thought you hate Rafale so much that you misinterpreted.
In any case, apart from Eurofighter Aero India 2011 blog I did not find any other reliable sources confirming the failure of Rafale. But again, I'm not shrugging in disbelief, it could have very well happened. I do think Rafale has its own set of problems (not sure how many?). Though the French have been a reliable defense partner of India and their Mirage 2000 is the best example. Eurofighter could be a better choice if it was little more mature in A to G, AESA and price. I do understand your point about the "Butterfly effect" and welcome your concern. I hope Sancho will provide some clarification regarding the Aero India incident?

 

[the rafter]

Eurofighter talking to Tejas.....

 

[SpArK]

A proven fighter for the UAE​

France may be smaller than the US state of Texas but in the world of aerospace and defence it is a giant.

It trails only the US in supplying arms to the Gulf, accounting for 35 per cent of purchases between 2005 and 2009 by the UAE, and 21 per cent of all defence sales in the region during the same period.

A major reason France punches above its weight in the defence sector is Dassault Aviation, which will be a major exhibitor at next week's International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, the region's largest defence expo.

The company's IDEX stand will be its largest and features scale models of its new aircraft as well as jet engines and missiles, said Patrick Genty, Dassault's senior representative in the UAE and a former French air force pilot who trained UAE Air Force cadets to fly Mirage jets in late 1980s and early 1990s.

Exhibiting at IDEX underscores how Dassault is "committed to the UAE and to our customer", he says.

Long before the major US defence companies began selling to the UAE, Dassault was the leading supplier of fighter jets. It began supplying its Mirage fighters to the Emirates in 1974, a time when Abu Dhabi's streets were unpaved, the UAE capital had its own flag - red and white - and its own air force.

Since then, the company has supplied the Emirates with about 100 fighter jets, spread across several generations of its Mirage family, which has been hugely successful since it was launched in the mid-1950s.


The UAE contracts also paved the way for other French companies to move into the region and sell related equipment such as aircraft engines, avionics and munitions, as well as other defence capabilities including battle tanks.

Dassault remains a key player in the UAE and since 2008 it has been negotiating a proposed deal to sell the country its latest jet, the Rafale, in a 60-aircraft deal worth up to €8 billion (Dh39.72bn), in what would be the first foreign sale of the Rafale.

The six GCC states "are old and loyal customers of French armaments" and as such comprise one of the most important markets for French aerospace and defence products, says Alain Ruello, a journalist with Les Echos newspaper, based in Paris. "For Dassault and its partners and France, this Rafale deal is of very great importance."

The origins of Dassault's Gulf success story date as far back to the reconstruction of post-Second World War France in the 1940s, says Pierre Pacalon, a retired French general who is now an adviser for Dassault Aviation and is based in Abu Dhabi.

After 1945, France set about developing its own defence manufacturers that were not dependent on other European powers or the US. As a result, the government selected companies as "national champions" to receive state aid and contracts. Dassault was chosen as a top military aircraft maker.

"President Charles de Gaulle said the country needed to be an independent military power," Mr Pacalon says.

"That is the reason we developed in France aeroplane makers, electronics makers and engines. It was to become fully autonomous."

Dassault experimented with dozens of prototypes before settling on the Mirage's delta wing, in which there is no tail and the wing forms a triangle.

The Mirage's early export success and its performance in conflicts during the 1960s and 1970s raised Dassault's profile.

In the early 1970s, Abu Dhabi acquired 36 Mirage IIIs and later upgraded them to the Mirage 5 standard. Despite the testing flying characteristics of the delta-wing aircraft, the UAE pilots mastered control of the planes, Mr Pacalon says, including the extremely difficult technique of landing at 350kph with the jet's nose up.

The UAE followed the deal up with a similar order in 1983 for the Mirage 2000, and finally a third major order for Mirage aircraft in 1998 for an upgraded version, the Mirage 2000-9. That order totalled 62 aircraft, with 32 new planes and 30 of the UAE's older Mirage 2000s revamped.

Mr Genty says he is "optimistic and confident" of a sale of the Rafale to the UAE.

Still, a deal is by no means assured, Mr Ruello says, and the UAE is not in urgent need of new jets with its still-young Mirage 2000-9s and almost 80 US-made F-16s.

"For the UAE to buy Rafale, one condition to the deal is to find a buyer for the UAE's 60 or so Mirage 2000-9 which are very advanced planes," he says. The Emirates does not plan to sell the Mirage jets before 2015, "so the UAE are not in a hurry to move from Mirage to Rafale", Mr Ruello adds.

But with Dassault now entering its fifth decade of working in the UAE, a few years may not present a problem for the company. "This kind of relationship takes time," says Mr Pacalon.


Full: A proven fighter for the UAE - The National

 

[SpArK]

Thales AESA RBE2 radar validated on Rafale​

February 2011

Thales has announced that the production model AESA RBE2 radar with active electronically scanned array antenna has been validated on the Rafale omnirole combat aircraft. Following a comprehensive programme of flight tests conducted between September and December 2010 with the AESA RBE2 on the Rafale, Dassault Aviation confirmed that all aspects of the radar’s performance comply with the technical specifications of the ‘Roadmap’ contract, awarded by the French defence procurement agency (DGA).

The success of this test campaign is a further endorsement of Thales’s European leadership in airborne radar.

This latest major milestone confirms the AESA RBE2 radar’s high level of maturity. The AESA RBE2 with active array will give the Rafale a number of key advantages:

Extended range for compatibility with the latest generation long range missiles and ability to detect low-signature targets
Higher module reliability for reduced cost of ownership (no maintenance required on the active array for 10 years)
Extended waveform agility, making it possible to acquire submetric synthetic aperture (SAR) imagery while increasing the radar’s resistance to jamming

With the AESA RBE2’s performance now validated, in line with the contract schedule, Thales will begin series production of equipment for installation on the aircraft under Tranche 4 of the Rafale programme. The Tranche 4 aircraft were ordered by the DGA in 2009 and will be delivered by Dassault Aviation to the French Air Force from 2013.

The Rafale will then become the only European combat aircraft to benefit from the operational advantages of AESA radar technology. The Rafale’s undisputed superiority is recognised around the world and is a key differentiator in today’s highly competitive markets.


Thales AESA RBE2 radar validated on Rafale - Thales Group

 

[SpArK]

 

[Skull and Bones]

^^^^
Any specs of the radar?

xtended range for compatibility with the latest generation long range missiles and ability to detect low-signature targets
Higher module reliability for reduced cost of ownership (no maintenance required on the active array for 10 years)
Extended waveform agility, making it possible to acquire submetric synthetic aperture (SAR) imagery while increasing the radar’s resistance to jamming

Don't you think the radar is over-rated while several countries expressed their concern on the performance of the radar?

 

[SpArK]

^^^^
Any specs of the radar?

Don't you think the radar is over-rated while several countries expressed their concern on the performance of the radar?

See the video of AESA radar i have posted.. it took me some time to upload that one to youtube.. a few information is there.. and dont you damn forget to click the thanks button...

 

[Skull and Bones]

See the video of AESA radar i have posted.. it took me some time to upload that one to youtube.. a few information is there.. and dont you damn forget to click the thanks button...

Well, that video was a bit boring, according to that video (or advertisement)

Operational benefits:
Multitracking : Even PESA radar can do that, so what's the point?
Countermeasure proof Active antenna (or in short jamming proof): Every AESA radar is, still no point for RBE 2
Range increased > 50% : From, without the actual data range is irrelevant, and range is measured with respect to any standard rcs.
Detection of small RCS targets: Again, how small? The RCS of the standard target has to given.
Reduction of life cycle costs: From? It has to be compared with other AESA is service

Without the actual data (which is tough to get, coz' most of the data is classified), RBE 2 is just another AESA radar in development, nothing special about it.

 

[SpArK]

Thales technologies onboard the Rafale​

The Omnirole Fighter

The Rafale is the most advanced combat aircraft of its generation, delivering multi-mission capability that ensures its war fighting relevance beyond 2040. This highly agile fighter from Dassault Aviation is equipped with cutting edge technologies that make it fast deploying, selfsupporting and combat effective, all within a limited size. The Rafale draws on sophisticated onboard electronic systems to carry out a wide range of missions day or night and in all weather conditions.



Thales provides equipment and systems – including avionics – that together account for approximately one third of the total value of each Rafale.



The Rafale integrates the largest and most modern range of sensors by means of the multisensor data fusion concept that allows the pilot to access global situation awareness and make well-informed tactical decisions. This data fusion process links all sensors via the Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU) to make the Rafale a truly network centric warfighter.



This multi-sensor capability draws on the Active Electronic Scanning Antenna RBE2 Radar, Spectra electronic warfare system, Front-Sector Optronics, the Damocles optronic multi function pod, and the AREOS new optronic stand-off recce system, among others.



Rafale, with its omnirole capabilities, is the right answer to the capability approach. It fully complies with the requirement to carry out, with a reduced number of aircraft, a wide range of missions: quick reaction alert/air-defence/air sovereignty missions, power projection and deployments for external missions, deep strike missions, air support for ground forces, reconnaissance missions, pilot training sorties and nuclear deterrence duties.



Breakthrough Thales technologies can be found throughout this superior aircraft, from its cockpit to its warfare system. With an architecture designed for full scalability, these systems ensure the Rafale will continue to be at the cutting edge of warfighting innovation.



Thales and Detection


AESA RBE2



The largest sensor onboard the Rafale is the new generation Thales AESA RBE2 radar. The RBE2, Europe’s first Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, takes combat system performance to a new level. It replaces the conventional antenna and its mechanical steering system, and has allowed for greater reliability with respect to previous-generation radars.



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. Other operational

benefits include the detection of targets with low radar reflectivity and improved high quality ground imaging. The RBE2’s high performance air-to-air detection will make it possible to detect smaller targets and to detect them earlier.



The industrialisation phase for the RBE2 was launched in 2006. Final validation of software functions is expected to end in the first quarter of 2010, with delivery of the radars to Dassault Aviation.



Front-Sector Optronics

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. Operating in optical avelengths, this sensor is immune to radar jamming.



The FSO contributes to air situation awareness and reinforces the Rafale's capabilities to operate in severe environments. Lasers for measuring target distance give the sensor highprecision 3D localisation capabilities. Its near-visible waveband capability is especially valuable with its narrow field for identifying possible targets in situations where visual contact is required by the Rules of Engagement or during quick reaction alerts.



Thales and Electronic Warfare


Spectra

The Rafale is equipped with the Spectra electronic warfare system, giving the aircraft a multispectral threat warning capability against hostile radars, missiles and lasers. This system is fully integrated into the Rafale for excellent survivability against air and ground threats.



Spectra also contributes to passive tactical situation awareness, all-weather long-range

detection, identification and location of threats, within a short response time. The system’s cutting-edge defensive measures are based on combinations of omni-directional AESA jamming, multi-band decoying and evasive manoeuvres, as well as on state-of-the-art technologies such as Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) signal processing.



Spectra’s angular location on the aircraft allows it to locate ground threats, to target them for destruction with precision-guided munitions, or to avoid them. Its threat library – which can be defined, integrated and updated on short notice by users in the home country – is instrumental to this performance. As operations unfold, protection onboard the Rafale can be continuously and fluidly enhanced using the system.



Thales and Mission Systems


Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU)

Enough growth potential has been built into the Rafale to ensure that its design maintains warfighting relevance for several decades. The Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU) is the cornerstone of this avionics/ weapon upgradeability. Its modular architecture makes for a system that is highly adaptable, allowing straightforward integration of new avionics or new ordnance.



Sensor data fusion draws on the computing power of the MDPU to process data from the AESA RBE2 radar, the Front-Sector Optronic system, the SPECTRA system, the IFF, the missile seekers and the data-link (L16 or custom).


Damocles Optronic Pod

The Thales 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 performances for long-distance recognition.



Damocles makes use of an embedded digital recorder to provide tactical reconnaissance with post-flight image analysis. The pod includes a forward-looking infrared navigation module that provides an image presented to the pilot in the cockpit. An infrared sensor also operates on Damocles in the mid-wave infrared band, allowing the system to retain its effectiveness in warm and/or humid conditions.



AREOS system

The AREOS Reco NG (Airborne and Reconnaissance and Observation) system is designed to meet a full spectrum of global operational requirements onboard the Rafale and withstand diverse weather conditions and scenarios. This pod integrates state-of-the-art digital technology both in its sensor and detector solutions, and its real/deferred time transmission capability.



AREOS reduces cycle times for detection, decision and action so as to more quickly meet evolving mission demands. AREOS’s operational automatic imagery collection modes allow it to be easily integrated onto single seat aircraft, such as the Rafale.


Mission debriefing system

Thales 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. It also depicts the movements and whereabouts of other aircraft involved in the same mission, as well as of air-to-air missiles fired. The misión debriefing is in service with the French Air Force.


Thales and Communication, Navigation, Identification (CNI)


CNI suite

Thales provides the full Communication, Navigation, Identification (CNI) suite – including voice communications, Tactical Data Link, landing and radio navigation systems and Identification Friend and Foe functions - onboard the Rafale. The digital radio transceivers allow the Rafale to manage plain voice, secure voice, data link and image transmission modes for Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface communications in VHF and UHF bands.



Tactical Data Link

Thales has developed a complete range of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. Onboard the Rafale, these 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.



Identification Friend-or-Foe Combined Interrogator Transponders

Thales TSB 2500 IFF is a family of Combined Interrogator Transponders that are fully

compliant with civil (including mode S), NATO (including mode 4/5) and/or national secure modes (NSM). The Rafale is equipped with an E-Scan version, which includes an Antenna Control Unit (ACU) for electronically steering the antenna.



Thales in the Cockpit

Thales supplies Dassault with most of the displays for the cockpit. For short-term actions, the Rafale pilot relies on the holographic head-up display (HUD), with a wide-field-of-view (30°x22°), for head-up flying. For medium and long-term actions, the multi-image head-level display (HLD) allows analysis of the global tactical situation through its 20°x20° screen. The HLD picture is focused at the same distance as the HUD picture to allow for fast eye transitions between head-up and head-level flying and the external world's view.



Thales and Electrical Systems

Thales is a world reference for variable frequency power generation and has integrated this technology onboard the Rafale to reduce the aircraft’s weight and maintenance costs.



Variable frequency technology is characterized by better efficiency than constant frequency technology traditionally used on aircraft. 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.


Thales and Training & Simulation

Thales, Sogitec and Dassault Aviation have together successfully developed two pilot

training centres to support the training of Rafale fighter pilots. The French Air Force and Navy rely on the Saint-Dizier Rafale simulation centre in Eastern France to train pilots for this prestigious aircraft and in 2009 added a second Rafale simulation centre at the Landivisiau naval air base in North-western France. The two simulation centres will soon be networked so they can carry out joint training missions.



The simulator cockpits recreate a realistic environment for the pilot. Rafale pilots can perform individual or crew missions in a complex tactical environment including aerial combat using data link (L16), ground attack, in-flight refuelling, aircraft carrier launches, deck landings and taking into account the evolution of weather conditions.



Thales and Support

Thales also provides services for the Rafale, reducing life cycle costs for the aircraft and ensuring that each system onboard remains efficient and effective. Thales’s long life and easy through-life support is forged through its world-class ILS (Integrated Logistic Support), obsolescence management, supply chain optimisation, as well as rapid repair and overhaul.

Rafale Thales