Combat System

The Rafale carries, for the first time in aviation history, an integrated electronic survival system named SPECTRA which features a software-based virtual stealth technology. But the most important sensor is the THALES RBE2 passive electronically scanned multi-mode radar. THALES claim to achieve unprecedented levels of situational awareness through the earlier detection and tracking of multiple targets: detection and tracking of multiple air targets for close combat and long-range interception, real time generation of three-dimensional maps for terrain-following, and the real time generation of high resolution ground maps for navigation and targeting.

However, in those circumstances when signature management is required, Rafale can use several passive sensor systems:

The front-sector electro optical system or Optroniques Secteur Frontal (OSF), developed by Thales, is completely integrated within the aircraft and can operate both in the visible and infrared wavelengths.

The SPECTRA electronic warfare system, jointly developed by Thales and MBDA, provides the aircraft with the highest survivability assets against airborne and ground threats. The real-time data link allows communication not only with other aircraft, but also with fixed and mobile command and control centres. For those missions requiring it, RAFALE will also eventually use the DAMOCLES electro-optical/laser designation pod that brings full day and night LGB capability, though the Armée de l'Air's current plans call for Rafale to use stand off weapons, and for the LGB role to be handled by Mirage 2000s.

Though current Rafale variants are claimed to be capable of supercruise, the aircraft was unable to demonstrate this during the Singapore evaluation, and many sources suggest that the aircraft is only marginally capable of supercruise, with light weapons loads and under certain atmospheric conditions, though a planned engine upgrade should, according to some sources , remove this limitation and allow the Rafale to supercruise with more realistic loads at around Mach 1.4.

Source: Wikipedia