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Hellenic Air Force selects Goodrich's reccce technology for F-16s

May 8, 2007 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) has selected Goodrich's DB-110 airborne reconnaissance system for use on their F-16 fighters.

PolAF F-16C block 52 #4040 is seen here flying with the brand-new DB-110 reconnaissance system during a test flight on November 15th, 2006. [LMTAS photo]

Greece is currently acquiring 30 Lockheed Martin F-16 block 52+, advanced multi-role fighters under the Peace Xenia IV Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program. In the initial FMS contract, Goodrich will provide two F-16 reconnaissance pods, a ground exploitation system and aircraft integration.

Goodrich's DB-110 digital, real-time, tactical reconnaissance system allows pilots to capture images day or night using electro-optical sensor technology. Images can then be transmitted to analysts on the ground in real time for immediate exploitation and analysis.

According to Tom Bergeron, General Manager of Goodrich's Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems team, "The Goodrich DB-110, with its three fields of view and real-time data link, is the most advanced EO/IR reconnaissance pod available for the F-16. Our successful flight testing on the Poland F-16 aircraft assures the Hellenic Air Force that they will receive a high-performance and low-risk, proven solution. These systems will represent the highest reconnaissance capabilities within NATO providing full interoperability among NATO nation operators."

The DB-110 will give the HAF a long-range, high-resolution, stand off imaging capability to support tactical operations. The on-board system can be operated autonomously, with the DB-110 being controlled by the pod's reconnaissance management system. Imagery is viewed on the F-16's cockpit video display, enabling the pilot to verify targets and conduct tasks such as battle damage assessment. The real-time display also gives the aircrew the ability to seek out targets of opportunity or select a different route to a selected target.

Goodrich also produced eight Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for TORnado (RAPTOR) reconnaissance pods for the U.K.'s Royal Air Force for use on its Tornados. In addition, Goodrich is supplying the DB-110 reconnaissance systems to the Japanese Marine Self Defense Force for use on modified P-3C Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Seven systems are being built for the Poland Air Force F-16 aircraft.


Additional images:

PolAF F-16C block 52 #4040 seen operating the Goodrich DB-110 EO/IR reconnaissance pod on December 12th, 2006. [Photo by Tom Reynolds]

PolAF F-16C block 52 #4040 seen operating the Goodrich DB-110 EO/IR reconnaissance pod on December 12th, 2006. [Photo by Tom Reynolds]