Terma is using the airshow to showcase the new reconnaissance pod selected by Sweden for its Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Hall 2, stand 19).
Once the Gripen took over Sweden's 'Swafrap' rapid-deployment/peace support responsibility from Viggens, the aircraft's lack of a modern reconnaissance pod became obvious, and Terma was therefore contracted to produce the SPK-39 reconnaissance pod.
The Swedish air force pod is a version of Terma's existing Modular Reconnaissance Pod System (MRPS), and is initially intended as a low/medium-altitude tactical reconnaissance pod, carrying a Recon Optical CA-270V framing camera in a rotating window module as its primary sensor.
Trial installation of the 650mm diameter pod on a JAS 39C has proved that ground clearance is small, but adequate.
The Swedish air force is expected to procure eight pods, and the pod has reportedly been offered to one Gripen export customer. The new pod will be flown on a Gripen for the first time on 16 August 2004, initially on a two-seat Gripen, and the repercussions of using the single-seat JAS 39C or the two-seat JAS 39D in the reconnaissance role will be assessed during the subsequent Operational Test and Evaluation phase.
The pod could gain a strategic reconnaissance capability, carrying a DB-110 or CL-295 camera, while in the near future a datalink is expected to be added to give a near-real time reconnaissance capability. Other options could include an infra red line scanner and night sensors.
JON LAKE
Source: Flight Daily News
