Scorpion to aid Rafale mission effectiveness
Rafale aircraft in French service with receive new helmet-mounted sights and multifunction cockpit displays. (Photo: Thales)
DGA orders new helmet-mounted pilot sights and multifunction displays from Thales for Rafale multirole fighters.
Thales is providing new avionics equipment for Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft in service with the French Air and Space Force and French Navy.
The company announced on 22 July that it will supply 350 Scorpion helmet-mounted sight and display systems and 400 digital multifunction displays (MFDs) under a contract from French defence procurement agency DGA.
The value of the deal was undisclosed.
‘This new equipment will further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Rafale F4 standard,’ Thales noted, adding that the Scorpion systems and MFDs will ‘deliver enhanced tactical situational awareness and slave the weapon or mission systems to the pilot’s line of sight to improve the effectiveness of air operations’.
The 400 digital multi-function displays on order will replace lateral displays on in-service French Rafale aircraft. The new equipment offers a larger display area, an improved touchscreen interface and greater processing power.
With its display symbology, Scorpion blends diverse information from onboard sensors. ‘Coupled with the weapon system, the display can be used to designate and track targets anywhere in the crew's field of view in daylight and at night,’ Thales claimed.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production]()
France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
