Viv S wrote:
How do you know the Praetorian can't? The SPECTRA features the same set of sensors as the DASS. And even older RWR/EWS systems on legacy aircraft have been able to perform basic ranging on electromagnetic emissions. Compared to them, the Rafale undoubtable is better, using multiple sensors and more sophisticated algorithms. But, its discrimination and range (esp. versus AESAs) is still an open question vis-a-vis IRST and radar.
Hi, Viv S
Haven't we had such a discussion before in the other forum?
I will still remain there mainly, just wanted to get more infos on FGFA and the C17 procurement, that's why I registered here too, so sorry for the late reply.
Regarding your question...because the aims of both systems (at least for the actual versions) are different!
EF uses Praetorian mainly for self protection, it detects, identifies and counters threats, by jamming, or using chaff and flare. SPECTRA does all this of course too, but was developed for offensive roles like passive detecting and
localising of targets as well.
Btw, Rafale has some more or different sensors than the EF! It also has the TV channel and the LRF of FSO, as well as passive IR MAWS (EF MAWS are active once, that are based on pulse doppler radar techs) and uses even the IR seeker of MICA IR, so except of the radar and the LRF all other sensors are fully passive and provides SPECTRA with infos. These infos will not only add the SA, but also can be used for weapon cueing as it proved during ATLC for example and that gives Rafale a big advantage, because it will be less detectable in A2A and A2G roles.
These features are similar to those that the F35 will have and I'm not even denying that other MMRCA contenders might have them in future too (EF partners has developed PIMAWS IR MAWS similar to DDM NG which might be integrated in T3, Gripen should get an UV based system...), maybe get even the localisation and weapon cueing capabilities, but SPECTRA is an already operational system, which shows the lead of the French in this field!
The fact that Dassault paid nearly the same ammount of money for R&D of SPECTRA EWS, as for R&D of the RBE 2 radar shows how much importance they gave to it.
For Indian forces these advantages should be a big point too, because they obviously are focusing on the same roles that Rafale is meant to fulfill in French forces too. Deep penetration strikes, air defense, nuclear and carrier roles, which means we could use the MMRCA competition to get one fighter type for IAF, SFC and IN, which offers maximum commonality (also to the 51 Mirage 2000-5s) and reduced logistics and maintenance. As far as I see it, there is no other fighter than the F18SH that could give this advantage, although it's questionable if the US will allow us to use the F18SH in nuclear role, let alone if we can integrate any nuclear weapon on them (which is more than doubtful, especially without radar source codes and all the restrictions).
IF (and sadly that's a big if) MMRCA is not political decision, it would be very surprising if the Rafale will not be chosen!