Airborne Systems
Intelligence, Survei...
Reconnaissance - On ...
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Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance On the Leading Edge of Airborne Tactical Reconnaissance In April 2005, the Modular Reconnaissance Pod System (MRPS) for the Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter made its first flight. Terma’s MRPS can be carried on various other aircraft platforms and each pod configuration is tailored to specific customer requirements. Under contract with prime contractor SaabTech, Terma has developed the round-structured pod for the Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter and supplied the Environmental Control System, the electrical systems, and the main control system - Reconnaissance Management System (RMS).  Photo: copyright of Saab Maximum Flexibility Development of the MRPS started in 2003 and is based on Terma’s experiences from the F-16 Modular Reconnaissance Pod (MRP), which is in service in a number of countries in several configurations. The MRPS, the F-16 MRP, and the RMS are of a modular design, enabling a variety of sensors and other payloads and designed to be installed on a standard centerline store, alternatively wing stored. The MRPS selected by the Swedish Air Force for the Gripen can be carried on various other aircraft platforms and provides a maximum of flexibility in tailoring the sensor suite to operational requirements for airborne tactical reconnaissance. It is easily integrated into the aircraft avionics, and the pod is designed for autonomous operation with the integrated Environmental Control System. The reconnaissance payload can include a sensor or a combination of sensors and is housed in three main compartments and a rotating window section. The rotating window mid-section can accommodate advanced sensors, suitable for missions at any altitude. The forward and aft compartments can house Data Link components and additional sensors as applicable. Forward and aft radomes are designed to host the Data Link antennas. Layout of sensor suite equipment and configuration support structure and access provisions is specific to each different sensor suite.  Tailored to Specific Customer Requirements The unique modular design of the Terma pods has proven its existence where customer requirements for high-end sensor technology combined with advanced computing and control of the pod internal environment have been fulfilled in Low- Medium- and High-Altitude sensor configurations in the same basic pod structure (regardless of sensor manufacturer). Each pod configuration is tailored to the specific customer requirements and provides the customer with a modular reconnaissance dimension to a modern multi-/swing-role fighter aircraft.  Terma strives to enhance and expand the modular design of our reconnaissance pods in order to satisfy the growing demand for advanced sensor equipment to be operated in the extreme conditions of a fighter environment. Therefore, we maintain a close relationship with customers and leading sensor manufacturers. With more than 50 MRPs operational in Air Forces worldwide, Terma takes a lead in providing intelligence information and situational awareness in peace support operations and for the war fighter. |