TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System
Thales has built on 50 years of experience in airborne targeting and reconnaissance systems to develop the TALIOS latest-generation pod.
2-in-1 pod
Thales is the sole supplier to combine advanced targeting and tactical reconnaissance capabilities in a single pod. The 2-in-1 TALIOS targeting and recce pod is able to cover the entire kill chain from intelligence gathering to destruction of enemy targets with associated Battle Damage Assessment. With its state-of-the-art sensors, TALIOS delivers unmatched image quality (colour and black & white TV, infrared) at short to very long range. Disruptive technologies such as Permanent Vision™ and embedded artificial intelligence provide combat aircraft pilots and ground forces with reliable situational awareness in real time.
AI onboard
The role of air power has expanded in recent times. As well as delivering weapons at long range, today's combat aircraft also need to provide deployed units with close air support and timely intelligence to accelerate the OODA loop and raise the tempo of operations.
For pre-planned or opportunity-driven armed reconnaissance flights, TALIOS uses advanced AI algorithms to helps aircrews think faster and act smarter on air-to-air operations (targeting, identification and tracking) as well as air-to-surface missions (close air support, air interdiction, ISR, etc.)
Co-designed with users
TALIOS is designed for airborne units by airborne units. Working hand-in-hand with Thales at our innovation and simulation centre, the French forces have shared their expertise and knowledge of air combat to help design Permanent Vision™. This new mode superimposes real-time video on a 3D map of the operational environment, significantly enhancing situational awareness and changing the face of air-to-surface combat.
As a “plug & fight” system designed for easy integration on board existing and future combat aircraft, TALIOS was co-designed with operational users to meet the evolving requirements of the armed forces.
Combat-proven
TALIOS is a fully operational solution and has been qualified by the French defence procurement agency for deployment onto Dassault's Rafale omni-role aircraft. It has been combat-proven on Rafale with French forces and international customers.
Front Sector Optronics with Infra Red Search and Track function
To meet evolving operational requirements on both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, the Rafale's sensor suite now includes a new generation of sensors. The Infrared Search and Track function for the aircraft's Front Sector Optronics (FSO-IRST) is designed to detect low-RCS and radar-silent threats such as stealth aircraft and UAVs while remaining totally passive until weapons are engaged. The new IRST is the “silent way” to detect air targets and engage them directly, guaranteeing the discretion that is key to the Rafale's survivability and lethality.
Counter-stealth technology
The IRST function provides precise search, detection and tracking of radar-silent and low-observable threats at well beyond visual range. The identification solution integrated with the Rafale's Front Sector Optronics provides imagery of outstanding quality for positive visual identification at long range, while the eye-safe laser rangefinding function provides 3D target tracks to the aircraft mission systems.
Enhance lethality
The new IRST function is the ideal solution for detecting new, low-observable threats while remaining totally passive until weapons are engaged. And as discretion is key to aircraft survivability, the IRST makes a direct contribution to the lethality of the Rafale omni-role aircraft.
Game-changing technology
This new technology is now available for the Rafale as part of new procurements or in-country upgrades of existing fleets, and has already been ordered for more than 200 aircraft. The addition of the IRST function ensures robust detection and tracking performance to complement the aircraft's other sensors and opens up new tactical opportunities for aircrews.
Enhanced Vision System
Air forces often need to operate with poor visibility over difficult terrain and in adverse conditions. Thales's Enhanced Vision System (EVS) solution uses a suite of infrared detectors and sophisticated image processing algorithms to provide flight crews with high-definition imagery of the environment outside the aircraft at any time of day or night.
Dependable airlift capabilities
The EVS solution helps to overcome challenging visibility conditions, superimposing infrared imagery over the pilot's normal field of vision to improve situational awareness, make approaches and landing safer and increase operational availability. The solution is certified on A400M and is in service with several air forces.