Saab Aerostructures is exploring options to provide the Swedish air force's new SPK-39 reconnaissance pod with a full digital capability, enabling it to display sensor imagery in the JAS39 Gripen's cockpit.
The pod, which enters production next August and service in 2006, re-uses wet-pack cameras taken from the air force's Saab SF37 Viggen reconnaissance aircraft, adding a medium-altitude Recon/Optical CA270 sensor. Later upgrades will add an infrared line scanner and a long-range oblique imaging capability by around 2012. The Swedish air force has ordered nine units for use by its rapid reaction unit, with the pod to remain in service beyond 2020.
Source: Flight International
