Scorpion to aid Rafale mission effectiveness
Rafale aircraft in French service with receive new helmet-mounted sights and multifunction cockpit displays. (Photo: Thales)
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.
More from Air Warfare
-
Apache AH-64E fires Spike long-range missiles
The Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike, a multi-purpose EO missile system, can attack targets at ranges up to 25km and has been test-fired from an Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
-
Embraer C-390 triumphs in South Korea's transport aircraft competition
Embraer's C-390 Millennium has secured a contract with South Korea, outperforming industry rivals such as Lockheed Martin and Airbus, marking a pivotal moment as the nation is set to become the first C-390 customer in Asia.
-
Irish C295 MPAs fitted with Viasat SATCOM terminals
The terminals enable secure, reliable satellite connectivity and support a range of command, control and communication needs for the C295 aircraft, which have roles in maritime patrol, tactical transport, special operations and medical evacuation.
-
South Korea orders F-35 fighter munitions
The US has greenlit a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea, entailing a package of F-35 ammunition valued at around $271 million.