The UK Royal Navy is considering modifying its Sea Harrier F/A2 fighters with a new colour multifunction display and identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder/interrogator as part of a fleet wide introduction of Successor IFF (SIFF) equipment.
The new IFF installation programme applies to a range of military equipment and weapons under UK Ministry of Defence staff requirement SLA924.
The requirement for a new display stems from the new IFF fit and the potential impact of other equipment changes, including the installation of a Rockwell Collins Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). The Sea Harrier cockpit has a monochrome multifunction display and radar display unit, which would impose a high pilot workload with the input from new systems.
"Aircrew feel that the workload in Sea Harrier is high enough already, and a colour display is necessary to improve the man-machine interface with the extra data from the new IFF and JTIDS," says BAe.
The Sea Harrier is just one platform which will be fitted with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), including the Westland Sea King AEW7 helicopter and surface ships. Integration is to be carried out by British Aerospace and GEC-Marconi Avionics, which will jointly select a potential subcontractor for the display. The MoD is likely to decide whether to go ahead with the requirement for a display by the middle of this year, with a contract award taking place around the end of 2000.
The new display is one improvement under consideration for the Sea Harrier. Others include the possible fit of the upgraded Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 turbofan in place of the current Mk 104/106 and an upgrade to the defensive aids suite, based on the Tracor ALE-40.
The installation will include provision for the BAe/Matra Dynamics ASRAAM missile, which will replace the Raytheon AIM-9L Sidewinder.
Source: Flight International
