Thales Spectra
| Company type | Electronic warfare system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense, Aerospace |
| Founder | Thales Group, MBDA France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Electronic warfare system for Dassault Rafale combat aircraft |
The Système de Protection et d'Évitement des Conduites de Tir du Rafale (SPECTRA) represents an onboard electronic warfare solution collaboratively engineered by Thales Group and MBDA France specifically for the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft.
SPECTRA enables early detection, identification, and accurate pinpointing of threats originating from infrared homing, radio frequency, and laser sources. The system combines sensors for radar alerts, laser detection, and missile approach warning with a phased array radar jammer and a countermeasure dispenser deploying decoys. A specialized control unit is responsible for integrating sensor data and determining appropriate counteractions.
Included in the system are two infrared missile alert sensors known as Détecteur de Départ Missile Nouvelle Génération. MBDA has developed the advanced missile warning technology DDM NG, which achieved its inaugural in-flight imagery in March 2010 and was introduced on the Rafale platform starting in 2012. This DDM NG utilizes an infrared array detector that enhances detection distances through two sensors equipped with fish-eye lenses, providing comprehensive spherical coverage. Additionally, it offers improved false alarm filtering and angular localisation capabilities compatible with upcoming Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM).