Thales Land and Joint Systems is examining potential development of a reduced mass derivative of its Areos/Reco NG long-range reconnaissance pod in a bid to offer the system for light fighters such as the Lockheed Martin F-16.
Thales says the current pod - which is 5m (16.4ft) long and weighs 1,020kg (2,250lb) - is capable of being carried by US fighters such as the Boeing F/A-18, but that ground clearance and weight are an issue for smaller aircraft. The existing design is also restricted to mounting on an aircraft's centreline.
Concept studies of the slimline version were launched in mid-2006 and are continuing, says William Lebelle, Thales's airborne project manager, optronics. "We are looking for the right solution," he says.
Thales completed qualification trials of the current pod on the French air force's Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter last year using its sole Areos demonstrator. Qualification on the Dassault Rafale will be completed during 2008 ahead of the sensor's entry into French air force service on F3 software standard fighters in 2009.
France placed production orders for 20 Reco NG pods in 2005, with the air force and navy to receive 12 and eight respectively to replace their existing Thales Presto pods.
Meanwhile, Thales has begun work to integrate its Damocles targeting pod with the Rafale for air force service entry in 2009.
Fifteen Damocles pods are already in service with the navy's Dassault Super Etendard fighters, and Thales says production will average three units a month for the near term. Deliveries have already been made to the United Arab Emirates, while the first examples for Malaysia's Sukhoi Su-30 fighters are now in manufacture. Morocco also ordered the system late last year for carriage with its upgraded Mirage F1s.
Studies on the integration of a UHF bi-directional datalink into Damocles to support close air support missions are also under way in conjunction with France's DGA procurement agency.
Source: Flight International
