Tornado Receives Revamped Targeting System

The new designator pod contains a steerable thermal imaging system that enables an aircrew to identify targets at long-range, both day and night. Video image processing techniques enable the sightline to be locked on to a target selected by the aircrew using either the video display or the aircraft’s central computer. Once this has been achieved the aircraft is free to perform any necessary manoeuvres while the pod system automatically keeps the target boresited.

The TIALD system uses the same GEC Avionics Class II common module thermal imager as the existing Tornado chin-mounted FUR sensor. The imager has two fields of view, a 12 degree wide angle for target acquisition and a three degree narrow angle, which gives a fourfold magnification, for identification. Once identified, the British Aerospace videotracker can slew through + 50 to -155 degrees while rolling through 180 degrees.

The pod may be used to designate targets for laser guided weapons delivery either by the aircraft carrying it or by an accompanying aircraft. The latter technique, known as the pathfinder tactic, is believed to be the preferred option. Alternatively, an attack using unguided munitions can be undertaken with the pod continuously updating the aircraft’s weapons aiming computer with range and bearing data.

Ferranti first began work on this type of system back in 1972 when it designed and tested an auto lock-follow laser designator that performed similar functions to TIALD. Using a television camera mounted in an under fuselage turret, the crucial sightline stabilisation and pointing functions were evolved and tested.

By the end of the 1970s, a study of future RAF requirements had led to the formulation of Air Staff Target 1006. The studies related to this project resulted in the development of a day/night attack pod for the Tornado. Although some hardware was produced, the project was shelved in 1979. But the successful use of laser guided bombs during the Falkland Islands conflict in 1982 caused the project to be revived as Air Staff Target (Air) 1015. This in turn gave birth to TIALD.

When the requirement for a Tornado targeting pod reemerged, great emphasis was placed on the need for early delivery. This was thought to rule out TIALD and Ferranti arran ged to offer the Night Owl, a derivative of the pod used on the United States Navy’s F18. This arrangement is still in force as a back-up. The delivery deadline has now been delayed, however, and TIALD will be available for installation within two years of contract award.

Although the primary function of the pod is for ground attack, it has considerable potential in the air-to-air role. Here the thermal imager can be used to acquire airborne targets, covertly enabling visual identification at sufficient range to employ the necessary countermeasures.

Constant improvements in the capabilities of radar warning receivers have cause many air forces to place increasing attention on passive means of search and tracking. Ferranti is placing considerable stress on TIALD’s capabilities in this area and is working to improve the system’s search and track abilities.

Other growth possibilities include a new thermal imager, providing a direct digital output for image processing and automatic target recognition.

The initial RAF requirement is for only ten systems, so the TIALD development team has placed considerable importance on making the system suitable for the export market. The podded installation has been specifically designed to make for an easy retrofit and joint marketing plans have been agreed, aimed at a wide range of upgrades and role conversions for large numbers of aircraft worldwide.

Apart from the cockpit display and controls, the TIALD pod is a self-contained unit that can be fitted to standard attachment points. It is powered by the aircraft’s primary supplies and interfaces with its installed avionics via an MIL STD 15538 databus.

Primary sales prospects are seen as the single and two seat variants of the BAe Hawk, the Jaguar and the very large number of F5 aircraft in service. The system weighs only 150kg and can therefore be carried with minimum impact on the load capability of the aircraft.

TIALD offers an economic and risk free means of upgrading strike aircraft using well proven, in service hardware, integrated into one of the smallest self-contained systems of its type available. As such it fulfils a vital tactical function for today’s airforces.