Video: French Naval Power > Super Etendard

Damocles - a pod for the future

Thales has launched a programme to develop its third generation designation pod Damocles.
This follows the undisputed success of its fore-runners, Atlis - still in service with a large number of air forces world-wide - and PDL/CT/CTS, capable of precision air-to-ground attack by day or night.
A real manufacturing, operational and technical challenge, Damocles is a high performance, sophisticated system with massive potential. Not only does it meet today's exacting operational needs in terms of performance and cost, but it is designed to also respond to 4th generation demands
Thanks to its design and modular architecture, this system incorporates cutting edge technologies, such as an active imager which will give air forces a pod capable of fulfilling a wider range of functions. Everything from air-to-ground, air-to-air and tactical reconnaissance, including secure processing of appropriate targets without any increase in equipment weight.
Damocles, now in full production with several pods already delivered to the French navy, has proved its performance potential, whether in operation from a ground base or an aircraft carrier.

As for the export market, Thales seeks to provide an alternative to US systems. In France, the Navy, which chose Damocles for its Super Etendard aircraft, is already preparing for the next phase - an upgrade to Rafale standard.

Characteristics : High performance day/night in all weathers. Thermal camera, spectral band 3-5 um. Multi-function use : Target designation laser. Laser guided firing mechanism. Reconnaissance. Close air-to-ground support.

Wildcat wrote:Okay, I have checked: they carry Damocles pod on the video indeed. No doubt .
More information (and pics) of the pod here: http://www.thalesgroup-optronics.com