Defcon 1
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From Dassault's website:From the manufacturer's website :
https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com/aerospace/military-aircraft/optronics
Additional sources :
https://en.calameo.com/read/001187356c18a3c20bd23
https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/a-wide-range-of-smart-and-discrete-sensors/
No mention of IRST.Developed by Thales, the “Front Sector Optronics” (FSO) system is fully integrated into the aircraft. Operating in the optronic wavelengths, it is immune to radar jamming and it provides covert long-range detection and identification, high resolution angular tracking and laser range-finding for air, sea and ground targets.
The FSO’s powerful TV sensor (cued by the Rafale’s active and passive sensors) is truly valuable to positively identify targets in situations where a visual contact is required by the rules of engagement.
This is another source:
http://rafale.co.in/a-formidable-de...nics-passive-long-distance-identification.php
From what I am given to understand, the first version of FSO had both IRST and TV sensors, and in the second version, IRST was removed to save costs and Mica's IR sensor was supposed to perform job of IRST.The internal Front Sector Optronics (FSO) provides a tele-lens picture of the target (ground or airborne) with range measured by the incorporated laser.
The covert approach capability of the FSO is especially valuable in air policing and intercepts, where the TV picture of the target provides early visual identification and detection of suspect manoeuvres.