Defcon 1
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DAS have 6 IIR sensors , DDM-NG has 2 IIR sensors
DAS has a TV channel , DDM-NG doesnt which make it similar to AAR-56 on F-22 ( basically both can generate IR-based image but only DAS has a mean to display it )
Yes, I know about these differences. However, as I understand, both systems are passive IR sensors. Granted DAS has 6 sensors instead of 2 on DDM-NG, but both achieve 360 degree coverage around the aircraft. (Almost 360 degree in case of DDM NG).It's very different !
DDM means "detecteur de départ missile" => missile launch detector. It's the main use. Maybe it will be used for other things, but it's the main purpose.
DAS is used as a multi sector camera, at least. It's a far more complex system. The pilot will be able to see virtually through the airframe everyhere. When it will be operational....
Since both are receiving IR signals from around the aircraft, is the difference only in the ability to construct an IR image of the outside environment or the difference is also in the sensors placed on the aircraft?
Also while it is claimed that DDM NG is capable of tracking the said missile or aircraft, it is not a full fledged IRST for some reason and IRST capability in Rafale is being achieved through MICA IR/Damocles for some reason.
Also, yes, DDM NG doesn't has a TV Channel but OSF does, though I don't know about its coverage. If it has decent coverage, the same can be used to construct all round images of the area around the aircraft.
Hence, my rephrased (and probably more clear) question is, does DDM NG+OSF combination need more sensors to be equal to DAS or the shortfall in Rafale lies in the ability to process the information collected from the sensors? The said shortfall occurring in two areas:
1. Ability to let the pilot see all around the aircraft.
2. Ability of DDM NG to double up as IRST since it is already detecting and tracking missiles.
I am asking this because right now it looks like, Rafale is using DDM NG, OSF, Mica and Damocles together to do something which DAS does all alone, and DAS is better at it.
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