Thales Unveils Revolutionary Fixed-Panel Identification Technology for French Navy’s Upcoming Frigates

• Recognizing aerial threats after their discovery is vitally essential in the operational arena. To address this requirement of the Armed Forces, Thales is introducing the TSA6000, the newest member of its IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogators family.
• The completely digital TSA6000 features four fixed antenna panels, delivering 360° coverage and unparalleled identification performance.
• More compact, lighter, and efficient than traditional rotating antenna systems, this interrogator can identify targets at remarkable speed and is poised to transform IFF identification. Thales is launching the TSA6000, the premier IFF interrogator utilizing flat fixed-array active antenna technology. This innovative solution, unique globally, provides full 360° coverage around the vessel without sacrificing range capabilities, delivering an extraordinary and rapid identification performance.

Modern naval forces must depend on cutting-edge technology to make optimal decisions at critical junctures. Thales assists them in executing their missions with enhanced safety across all pivotal moments, leveraging its air surveillance expertise and comprehensive understanding of operational scenarios to create high-value, comprehensive IFF solutions.

Utilizing a groundbreaking all-digital flat fixed-array technology, the TSA6000 IFF identification system offers an intelligent 360° electronic scanning (e-scan) capability, enabling remarkably fast identification of emerging threat types.

The four-panel antenna configuration permits complete 360° coverage, resolving issues of signal obstruction presented by a ship’s upper structures, especially when multiple masts are involved.

More compact and lightweight, the TSA6000 is significantly easier for systems integrators to position and install aboard vessels compared to IFF systems employing rotating array antennas or fixed cylindrical designs.

The TSA6000’s panels are independent of the radar system, offering enhanced flexibility in installation and maintenance. Its modular, scalable fully digital architecture also greatly simplifies support operations: each panel comprises numerous modules for integrated redundancy, ensuring the system’s consistent availability. Moreover, this system is free from mechanical or rotating components, considerably boosting reliability and minimizing repair times.

The TSA6000 complies with Mode 5, the updated NATO secure identification standard. With this latest offering, Thales provides an ultra-high-performance identification capability that guarantees interoperability between NATO and allied forces for many years to come.

The TSA6000 will be fitted on the French Navy’s upcoming FDI-class frigates from 2021, alongside the Sea Fire radar from Thales, which also features a flat-panel array. This radar/IFF duo will deliver near-instantaneous detection and identification abilities against high-speed threats.

As a leading global provider in IFF identification, Thales offers a comprehensive selection of IFF solutions to fulfill current and future demands of military forces. To date, over 20,000 IFF units from Thales have been deployed on 100 distinct types of land, air, and naval platforms across 70 nations.