Northrop Grumman [NOC] on Tuesday unveiled its OpenPod infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system that allows maintainers to swap sensors in theater.
The OpenPod system consists of line-replaceable units and a set of interchangeable sensors that can be swapped out in minutes, according to a company statement. Northrop Grumman believes OpenPod’s open architecture (OA) principles can make changing, integrating or upgrading sensors a less expensive, time-consuming and complex endeavor.
The company is collaborating with Rafael and Selex ES, a division of Finmeccanica, on OpenPod. Northrop Grumman Vice President of Airborne Tactical Sensors Jim Mocarski said during a press briefing in Washington Rafael will most likely be the supporter of a wide variety of the line replaceable units used to construct the pod, including the physical structure, computing elements and some of the environmental control as well as the power supply.
OpenPod will be available with targeting and IRST packages at launch, followed by communications, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), fifth-to-fourth generation communications and other options in the future. Since the pod allows for sensor changes without modifications to the aircraft or mission computer, OpenPod can be upgraded independent of aircraft. Northrop Grumman believes this allows for more rapid and affordable upgrades and integration of new technologies.
Mocarski said OpenPod can be adapted to just about any platform. Mocarski declined to provide which specific platforms, but he said it can be adapted to any platform that has the electrical and physical capability to carry the pod. Northrop Grumman, he said, is offering OpenPod for an upcoming Air Force IRST competition. Mocarski said Northrop Grumman believes there is a growing requirement for IRST across the industry and around the world.
Mocarski said OpenPod is in flight test today. He declined to provide specifics, but said that the pod is meeting technical and schedule milestones as well as meeting cost objectives. Mocarski said Northrop Grumman is on contract and investing its own collaborative resources in flight test as well as integration on a variety of platforms.