The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) has begun evaluation tests of the medium-altitude reconnaissance system (MARS), which it intends to deploy with its dedicated Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon reconnaissance squadron.
The MARS pod is intended to provide an interim medium-level reconnaissance capability, supplanting the ageing Orpheus pod, until a new system is selected and introduced into service in 1999.
The air force has purchased four MARS pods for use with the 306 tactical-fighter and reconnaissance squadron. Thepod uses the Per Udsen Modular Reconnaissance Pod, modified with Recon Optical KS87B wet-film cameras. The yare ex-US Air Force equipment, initially fitted to the McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom.
Three of the four MARS pods are to be deployed to Villafranca AB in Italy, where the RNAF is operating F-16s in support of NATO air operations over Bosnia. The fourth will be used to evaluate sub-systems as part of the Orpheus replacement programme.
The replacement programme specifies a reconnaissance pod capable of carrying electro-optical daylight and infra-red sensors, and a datalink. A shortlist of competitors is expected to be concluded within the next few months.
Source: Flight International
