Thales est l’un des leaders européens dans le secteur des drones, de par ses compétences inégalées dans ce domaine. Grâce au drone Hermes 450, le Groupe fournit des services complets de renseignement, de surveillance, d'acquisition d'objectifs et de reconnaissance (ISTAR) aux forces armées britannique.
Depuis 2007, celles-ci ont déjà déployé ce drone sur deux théâtres d’opérations différents. Ce contrat est prévu pour courir jusqu’en 2010, date à laquelle Watchkeeper, le programme de drones de renseignement, de surveillance, d’acquisition d’objectifs et de reconnaissance (ISTAR) le plus important d’Europe, entrera en service opérationnel.
Key features
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Fully Integrated Communications System
- Full range of voice communications and tactical data links
- NATO or National standards
- Adaptable and configurable to any type of combat aircraft and helicopter
Main characteristics
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Multi simultaneous voice channels
- Tactical VHF (FF, EPM)
- VHF ATC, VHF Maritime
- UHF (FF, EPM)
- Tactical Data Links
- Link 16, Link 11/22, Link X/X16, VMF, VHF TDL
Key features
- From sensor to IMINT
- Day-night and Real-Time Recce capability at long stand-off ranges and at very low altitude and high speed
- Real time capability based on a modern high rate data link architecture
- Ground image exploitation
- Fully integrated on M2000 family and Rafale
Main characteristics
RECCE Pod
- DB-STARS as high/medium altitude digital bispectral sensor
- Vigil 2000 as digital IRLS (Infra Red Line Scanner)
- HRDL
- MPDL family with airborne terminal and ground terminal
MINDS
- Interoperable ground image exploitation (IMINT)
Key features
- Real-time short OODA (Observation – Orientation – Decision – Action) loop
- Network Enabled Capability
- Sensors, Platforms and C2 networking
- Sensors grid, decision grid and action grid correlation
- Unique tactical situation, cooperative engagement, battle damage assessment
Main characteristics
Sensors:
- Strategic, tactical and multifunction
- Surveillance Radars (I-Master, SearchMaster, AirMaster C...), Electronic Warfare solutions, RECCE Pods, Electro-Optic turrets, …
Communications:
- High Rate Data Links
- Tactical Data Links
Intelligence Processing
Command & Control system
Fire Control Systems
- Laser designation, FSO, FLIR
Airborne Surveillance Radar
Mission Systems
Over the last few years, States and decision makers have been facing an increasing number of rapidly changing threats and conflicts on their territories or in their areas of interest. This situation has raised the need for information superiority, to give - at decisive moments - the relevant information to the relevant decision makers.
The requirement has never been higher for States to better control their land and sea borders through enhanced airborne capabilities.