By Peter La Franchi in London
Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems plans to enhance the capabilities of its Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) demonstrator aircraft, based on a Britten-Norman BN-2 Defender.
The Tranche 2 modification will equip the aircraft with satellite datalinks and a maritime active identification system that will be integrated with the on-board mission system to present a fused picture of surface contacts.
The aircraft's Selex passive littoral surveillance (PALS) electronic support measures suite will be relocated within the aircraft fuselage from its existing location at the head of modified fuel tanks on the inboard wing hardpoints. The company is also assessing replacement of the demonstrator's Seaspray 7000E radar with a sensor offering overland modes.
According to Stephen Wade, capability manager for the development programme, the Tranche 2 combination of maritime radar, PALS and AIS is expected to reduce littoral clutter by automatically classifying the bulk of surface traffic, leaving crews to investigate non-cooperative targets.
Source: Flight International
