The French and UK ministries of defence have issued an invitation to tender for a fourth generation electro-optical targeting pod technical demonstrator programme (TDP)that could lead to an operational system entering service late in the next decade.
The Joint Airborne Navigation and Attack (JOANNA) TDP will be split equally between France and the UK in terms of development and funding. Europe's two principal targeting pod manufacturers, Marconi Electronic Systems and Thomson-CSF Optronique are submitting a joint TDP bid.
Emerging electro-optical technologies will be evaluated for a fast jet-compatible targeting pod. The pod will require long-range detection, recognition and identification of ground targets, and be capable of functioning at low, medium and high altitudes.
The TDP contract will require system design, delivery of one or two systems for trials, with associated test and support equipment and integration with a trial aircraft.
Bids are due to be delivered to the two ministries by late October. Contract award is expected early next year. An operational system based on JOANNA could enter service in the UK in 2008/9.
Matra BAe Dynamics, Pilkington Thorn Optronics, and Sagem have also been invited to tender for the contract.
Source: Flight International
