A file image of the TALIOS pod fitted to a Rafale fighter. Thales is developing AI for the pod to reduce the pilot workload, though the company stresses that a human will always be responsible for targeting decisions. (Thales)
Thales is equipping its Thales TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) long-range airborne targeting pod with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft.
The French company announced the upgrade on 29 November, saying that automating airborne imagery analysis through the use of AI will provide “invaluable” assistance to Rafale pilots.
“Boosted by artificial intelligence, the Rafale's TALIOS laser designation pod detects objects of interest faster than ever before. By automating airborne imagery analysis, it provides invaluable assistance to pilots without diminishing their vital role in the decision-making process,” Thales said.
As noted in the announcement, the new enhanced capability has been developed in-house by cortAIx, the AI accelerator set up by Thales to leverage the group's expertise in the field.
Thales explained that the AI automatically analyses the images captured by the TALIOS pod, relaying to the pilot what is detected. Then, by preselecting objects of interest, it reduces the cognitive load on the pilot to better make the decision whether to engage the target or not (the company stressed that a human will always take this decision).
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