RBE2
Encyclopedia
The RBE2 is a multirole radar
developed during the 90s for the French
Rafale combat aircraft.
The RBE2 uses a passive electronically scanned array
(PESA).
In Air-Air combat, the RBE2 is officially said to be able to track up to 40 aircraft and to engage 8 of them. The RBE2 is also able to provide the Air-to-Ground performances that are required by the French government or potential export customers.
version of the RBE2. In July 2010, it was reported that Thales will commence deliveries of the new radar in August 2010 for use on the fourth tranche of Rafale aircraft with the first AESA-equipped squadron to become operational in 2012.
The RBE2-AA (active array) variant has been tested on both a Mystère 20, Mirage 2000 and Rafale testbed aircraft from the Flight Test Center of the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement, the French procurement agency) and then on a Rafale. While the first tests were made with US-made transmitter/receivers, the current radar will feature parts manufactured by Thales.
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
developed during the 90s for the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Rafale combat aircraft.
The RBE2 uses a passive electronically scanned array
Passive electronically scanned array
A passive electronically scanned array , contrary to its active counterpart AESA, is a phased array which has a central radiofrequency source , sending energy into phase shift modules, which then send energy into the various emitting elements in the front of the antenna...
(PESA).
In Air-Air combat, the RBE2 is officially said to be able to track up to 40 aircraft and to engage 8 of them. The RBE2 is also able to provide the Air-to-Ground performances that are required by the French government or potential export customers.
Further development
A 90 million euros-worth contract was signed in July 2004 for the development and integration of an Active Electronically Scanned ArrayActive Electronically Scanned Array
An Active Electronically Scanned Array , also known as active phased array radar is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules . AESAs aim their "beam" by broadcasting radio energy that interfere...
version of the RBE2. In July 2010, it was reported that Thales will commence deliveries of the new radar in August 2010 for use on the fourth tranche of Rafale aircraft with the first AESA-equipped squadron to become operational in 2012.
The RBE2-AA (active array) variant has been tested on both a Mystère 20, Mirage 2000 and Rafale testbed aircraft from the Flight Test Center of the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement, the French procurement agency) and then on a Rafale. While the first tests were made with US-made transmitter/receivers, the current radar will feature parts manufactured by Thales.