Thomson-CSF has joined with MIG MAPO to offer new avionics and sensors for upgrading MiG-29 fighters and MiG-29UBT strike aircraft. The equipment includes the RC-400 radar system and the CLDP laser electro-optical targeting pod. The upgrade is intended for export customers which prefer a Western radar to Russian systems, such as the NO-19.
The radar, which is similar to the company's RDY system in service with the French air force, is under flight test and is scheduled to fly in a MiG-29 next year, says Thomson-CSF's Gerard Le Bretton. RC-400 is a monopulse radar with slotted array antenna, with all aspect look-up and look-down air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. The lightweight radar weighs 130kg (290lb), has multi-target engagement capability and a detection range of around 90km (50nm). The upgrade package is one of several now starting to be offered by various Western companies.
MAPO and Thomson- CSF have also fitted the CLDP laser designator pod to a MiG -29 for a trial. The system would be a likely candidate for the two-seat MiG-29UBT strike aircraft, which has been displayed with a variety of television and radar guided air-to-surface weapons but as yet has no radar or other sensors suitable for such weapons. The pod, which is available in either TV/laser or TV/infrared options, is yet to be flown on a MiG-29.
Source: Flight International
