Decision on new targeting pod later this year
Selecting a new targeting pod will be an essential step towards upgrading the combat capability and survivability of the RAAF's Hornets.
A decision on which targeting pod will be acquired for the RAAF's fleet of F/A-18 Hornets is due later this year with a contract expected to be signed with the successful tenderer in June. The $100 million procurement is being carried out under phase 2.4 of the Hornet upgrade (HUG) program. A decision had originally been scheduled for last year.
With the Hornets to take responsibility for providing precision strike capability upon the retirement of the F-111s in 2010, the acquisition of the new targeting pod is of strategic significance. The new system will replace the current F/A-18 NITE Hawk Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) pod with a proven, self contained, current generation targeting and laser designation system.
It is understood that the RAAF had been aware of the limitations of their existing pods in comparison to current generation equipment, but recent operational experience in Iraq had further highlighted the situation.
One company keen to press their claim for this contract is Raytheon Australia who would provide in country support for the Raytheon Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infra Red (ATFLIR) pod being offered by their parent company. ATFLIR has been adopted by the US Navy with 67 units already in service and many more to come now following the commencement of full rate production in February this year.
According to Raytheon the enhanced target detection and recognition range of the ATFLIR substantially extends the capability and survivability of F/A-18 squadrons worldwide. They say that the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR features state-of-the-art mid-wave infrared targeting and navigation FLIRs, an electro-optical sensor, a laser rangefinder and target designator, and a laser spot tracker.
Laser tracking and infrared targeting functions on F/A-18 aircraft have previously involved three separate pods, while the ATFLIR integrates all of these capabilities into a single compact pod, freeing an air-to-air weapon station for other mission requirements.
The ATFLIR pod features third generation midwave IR focal plane array technology for both infrared targeting and navigation systems. The long-range performance provided by this technology will enable F/A-18 air crews to deliver air-to-ground weapons from beyond the range of anti-aircraft artillery and many surface-to-air missiles.
Raytheon are keen to stress that the ATFLIR is fully integrated and flight tested on all F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet models, and that it provides F/A-18 aircrews with:
? A substantial increase in target detection/recognition range over first-generation systems
? Pinpoint accuracy and assessment from longer standoff ranges
? The most advanced laser designation capability available
? EO/IR imagery superior to that of any other targeting pod in production
The company claims that the ATFLIR's Operational Evaluation was one of the most successful in US Naval aviation history, and that the pod met or exceeded all of the US Navy's requirements. ADM understands that much of the selection criteria for HUG phase 2.4 are is based on US Navy rather than US Air Force requirements.
Heavy emphasis was placed by Raytheon on what they termed the "plug and play" ability of the ATFLIR with an F/A-18, meaning it was already fully integrated with the other sensors and software used on the aircraft. While clearly a strong contender the ATFLIR has serious competitors for this contract.
The PANTERA from Lockheed Martin is the international version of the Sniper pod used by the USAF. The company describes PANTERA as a long-range precision targeting system in a single, lightweight, affordable pod. It provides positive identification, automatic tracking, and laser designation of tactical size targets via real-time imagery presented on cockpit displays, and claim that the pod's clean-sheet design provides the "leap ahead" in technology demanded by 21st century combat operations.
According to Lockheed Martin PANTERA's third-generation, midwave FLIR, 2D resolution enhancement algorithms, automatic bore sighting, and breakthrough stabilisation techniques deliver three times the performance of first generation systems. The company also claim that PANTERA's new design, optimal partitioning, and diagnostic capabilities result in true two-level maintenance, thus eliminating costly intermediate level support and reducing manpower requirements.
Other features listed by the company include:
? High-resolution, near-IR CCD TV
? State-of-the-art image processing for both TV and FLIR imaging paths
? High stability supersonic design
? Modular design supporting future technology insertion
? Tactical and eye-safe, highly reliable diode-pumped laser with no altitude restrictions
? Advanced technology image tracker with both point and area capabilities
? Precision geo-coordinate generation for J-series weapons.
Another contender is the Litening Airborne Infra-Red Navigation and Targeting Pod being offered here by the team of Northrop Grumman and Rafael. According to Rafael the Litening targeting pod is capable of providing precision strike capability to every fighter aircraft. Specific claims for it include:
? Reduced pilot workload during targeting and tracking
? High accuracy and reliability
? Reduced operational limitations
? Simple maintenance and support
? Low life cycle cost
? Growth potential
? Detection, recognition, identification and laser designation of air-to-surface and maritime targets
? Accurate delivery of laser guided munitions, cluster and general purpose weapons
? Laser spot detection and tracking
? Identification of aerial targets from the Beyond Visual Range (BVR)
? Long range data and video down-link option.
Given the non-developmental nature of the procurement it is expected that the scope for Australian industry involvement may be limited to maintenance support, and test and evaluation. ADM understands that the requirement is for 22 pods to be available for operational use at any time, and that depending on which pod is selected an inventory somewhere between 26 and 28 units will be necessary to achieve that.
Delivery of the first pods is scheduled to cover a two year period beginning in January 2007 with an initial operating capability expected by mid 2007.
By Daniel Cotterill, Canberra