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2020-09-01

Rafale Leverages the Power of Multisensor Data Fusion

The Rafale is a twin-jet advanced fighter aircraft that is able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. It is able to carry out all combat aviation missions – air superiority and air defence, close air support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.

Interestingly, what makes the essential difference is the Rafale’s “multi-sensor data fusion” process running on data provided by all the sensors of the aircraft. In essence, the multi-sensor data fusion concept implemented into the Rafale allows the pilot to act as a true “tactical decision maker”, rather than being only a sensor operator.

The core of these enhanced capabilities of the Rafale lies in a “Modular Data Processing Unit” (MDPU) incorporating “commercial off the shelf” (COTS) elements. It is composed of up to 19 flight “line-replaceable units” (LRUs), with 18 of them individually providing 50 times the processing power of a typical mission computer employed in previous generation fighters.

The MDPU is the cornerstone of the upgradeability of the Rafale. It allows a seamless integration of new weapons and new capabilities to maintain the warfighting relevance of the Rafale over the years as tactical requirements evolve, and as the computer industry keeps rolling out new generations of processors and software.

Automated Process

Implementation of the multi-sensor data fusion into the Rafale translates into accurate, reliable and strong tracks, uncluttered displays, reduced pilot workload, quicker pilot response, and eventually into increased situational awareness.

It is a full automated process carried out in three steps:

1) Establishing consolidated track files and refining primary information provided by the sensors,

2) Overcoming individual sensor limitations related to wavelength/frequency, field of regard, angular and distance resolution, etc., by sharing track information received from all the sensors,

3) Assessing the confidence level of consolidated tracks, suppressing redundant track symbols and decluttering the displays.

Unique Interface

Dassault Aviation has developed a very easy to use pilot interface (MMI), combining the “Hands on Throttle and Stick” (HOTAS) control concept with touch screens. It relies on a highly integrated suite of equipment.

For instance, for short-term actions, head-up flying is done using a wide-field-of-view holographic “Head-up Display” (HUD).

While for medium and long-term actions, analysis of the tactical situation can be done as a whole (the “big picture”), using a multi-image “Head-Level Display” (HLD). The HLD picture is focused at the same distance as the HUD picture to allow for fast eye transitions between head-up and head-down displays and the external world’s view.

Moreover, the management of system resources can be done via the left and right colour touch screens. Also, the comprehensive design of the cockpit provides for everything that aircrews can expect from an “Omnirole” fighter: a wide field of view at the front, on both sides, and at the rear, superior agility, an increased G-protection with 29-degree tilted seats, and an efficient air conditioning system demonstrated under all climates.

Weapon Systems

The mission system of the Rafale has the potential to integrate a variety of current and future armaments.

The Rafale has been cleared to operate a range of weapons such as the MICA air-to-air “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) interception, combat and self-defence missiles, in their IR (heat-seeking) and EM (active radar homing). The MICA can be used within visual range (WVR) and beyond visual range (BVR).

It can also use the METEOR, a very long-range rocket and ram-jet powered air-to-air EM missile. Its combination with the Rafale weapon system is a real paradigm change in air to air affairs.

The HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range) modular, rocket-boosted air-to-ground precision guided weapon series, can also be fitted with INS/GPS or INS/GPS/IIR (imaging infra-red) guidance kits, or with the upcoming INS/GPS/laser guidance, along with any specific armaments selected by clients.

The Rafale is in service with the French Navy and the French Air Force. With more than 30,000 flight hours in operations, the aircraft has proven its worth in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. The Rafale was ordered by Egypt, a Middle Eastern country and India.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.dassault-aviation.com

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