The U.S. Air National Guard awarded ITT a $4.3 million contract to integrate and test an all-weather targeting pod in its F-16s. ITT said the upgraded Thunder Radar Targeting Pod will enable pilots to complete missions in the most challenging weather conditions, day or night.
The system provides Synthetic Aperture Radar capability to all models of the F-16, magnifying targets on the ground and providing a clear picture of threats. The pod’s aircraft interface is the same as that of the electro-optical (EO) pods currently in use. This system provides older F16s with advanced targeting capabilities without requiring aircraft structural changes or changes to current radar systems, according to the company.
"With its all-weather capability and interchangeability, this solution will provide our forces with enhanced technology and flexibility to perform their critical missions," said Joe Ruffolo, vice president of ITT’s integrated electronic warfare systems business area.
ITT is teamed with ELTA Systems Ltd., which will provide all pod hardware. ITT will integrate the system into the F-16, add advanced signal processing capability into the pod, and verify the system’s effectiveness through flight test demonstrations.