Conditioning of
Reconnaissance and Electro-Optical Pods
Podded avionics and
equipment present their own unique set of challenges. In most
instances there is no supply of conditioned air / liquid available
from the host aircraft, so the pod needs to have a self contained
conditioning system.
In some cases this can be as
simple as a few fans to recirculate air within the pod.
In far more cases, such as
with Reconnaissance Pods and Targeting Pods, the optical sensors
need to be maintained within very tight temperature ranges. This
therefore necessitates not just a cooling system, but also a heating
system and a means of temperature control.
At RFT Systems we’ve
covered all aspects of pod conditioning, from both the analytical
and systems engineering perspectives.
Thermal Design and Analysis
From initial steady state
analysis to fully dynamic and time dependent transient analysis,
covering full operation profiles of the client aircraft. The
analyses are performed using bespoke, proprietary modelling
techniques, allowing us to not only accurately predict temperatures
within the pod during any flight regime, but also to develop the
thermal control logic needed for the pod conditioning system.
Systems Engineering
From creating initial draft
requirements specifications, through equipment contract
negotiations, to full system verification and acceptance.
Pods: F16 Reconnaissance
Pod, Gripen Reconnaissance Pod, TIALD Imaging Pod, Haveglance
Electro-Optical Pod, Composite Gun Pod.