Two HTS pods on the Viper?

[JanHas]

Hi Haole,

when will the Swamp Fox's start flying with two HTS pods on the Viper? Is it really an improvement to fly with two pods?

[robviper]

Two friggin HTS pods!? WTF!? :bigeyes:

[LaWMaN]

Two friggin HTS pods!? WTF!? :bigeyes:Looks like more work for you skinners he he

[JanHas]

The F-16 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile, or HARM, Targeting System test team here recently completed an early contractor test and evaluation on a new pod that will potentially expand the Fighting Falcon's warfighting capabilities. The HARM Targeting System, or HTS, is a pod designed to aid the pilot when targeting the AGM-88 that seeks out and destroys surface-to-air missiles, advancing current Air Force Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, or SEAD, capabilities. The current HTS pod can only be carried on the right side of the F-16, and the new HTS pod can be carried on either side of the F-16, offering pilots enhanced precision targeting, said Maj. Don Sheesley, 416th Flight Test Squadron project pilot. "This was an outstanding effort to support the current needs of the warfighter. By taking an early look at the pod's capabilities, we'll be able to get the system to the warfighter sooner," said Major Sheesley. "With new equipment like this pod, it's important that we work out as many bugs as possible before the developmental test and evaluation phase of testing." Two missions were performed Aug. 10 and 11 using F-16 Block 50s from both Edwards and South Carolina Air National Guard based at McEntire ANG Station, S.C. The aircraft used for testing were Block 50 F-16s that have upgraded engines, radar and multi-function cockpit displays, explained Major Sheesley. Efforts by the 416 FLTS, HTS Systems Program Office and the S.C. ANG enabled testers to assemble all the players needed to successfully complete the four-ship missions. The combined efforts of these organizations made it possible to complete all the planning, coordination and execution in two weeks, said Dean Tenderholt, 416th Flight Test Squadron HTS program manager. "By maximizing use of available resources like the Air National Guard aircraft and maintenance crew, we were able to complete the tests back-to-back," said Mr. Tenderholt. "Edwards has so many test projects going on right now, and working in concert with other organizations helped make this early risk reduction test successful." As the HTS project enters the DT&E phase, testers here will continue evaluating the new capability until it is ready for warfighters to employ operationally. Courtesy of 1st Lt. Brooke Davis, Public Affairs Edwards AFB

Looks like the modellers will also have new homework assignments!!

:clown:

[grab]

No need to carry 2 HTS pods, only need one, however, the ability to hang one on the left side of the chin will free up space to carry the Sniper pod, not exactly sure what the advantage this would be accept it would allow a mixed load of 1 HARM and 1 GBU. I imagine Haole can handle this better than me when he returns, but from my experience pilots and mainly big wigs sitting in ops watching the war get a warm fuzzy when the pilot has a clear visual of his target, carrying a sniper would give that. Interesting all the same, did not know they were working a new HTS pod, it would be a matter of reworking the HTS pylon and wiring the left side as needed, not too hard of a mod, in the mean time the old one kills things just fine :) Grab

[JanHas]

Have two HTS pods have a better coverage / detection capability?

[grab]

Have two HTS pods have a better coverage / detection capability? nope, Both pods would pick up the same signals. Grab

[awetsock]

Both the Litening Pod and the Sniper Pod open from the right and are both maintained at the flightline level...no more backshop. It is impossible to open the door of a pod (to change parts) if it hangs on the left hardpoint...It would be a good chunk of work to download, change part, upload, ops check and so on...

[35AoA]

not that i have any idea, but i would think two HTS pods would allow for quicker RF detection due to a smaller scan volume for each HTS pod, i.e. the left HTS pod would scan just the left side & the right HTS pod would scan just the right side, instead of just one HTS pod trying to scan its entire FOV

making room for a FLIR pod makes more sense though ...


nope, Both pods would pick up the same signals. Grab

[Haole]

We dont run two HTS pods on our jets, and I honestly doubt we ever would. We would run a targeting pod on one side with the HTS on the other. Lots of good points made in the posts above though.:thumb: