Pakistan Airforce JF17 Thunder Aselpod
The Pakistan Air Force has chosen the Turkish-made Aselpod for its JF-17 Thunder. We will talk about the capabilities of this pod and especially its air-to-air capability. While this pod has been selected in comparison to other international pods will also be discussed. Let’s Explore the Pakistan Airforce JF17 Thunder equipped with the Aselpod targeting system. Learn about its advanced capabilities and features.
𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Pakistan initially ordered Turkish company Aselsan’s Aselpod in 2016 at a cost of $25 million. Initially, 16 Aselpod were obtained from Turkey. While this pod was also ordered twice more. Aselpod was delivered to Pakistan Air Force in November 2016, September 2017 and again in February 2018. Pakistan was the first international customer to purchase this Turkish-made advanced targeting pod. Integration and firing tests with JF-17 Thunder of Aselpod were completed in June 2017. According to some sources, Pakistan may be developing Aselpod locally in PAC Kamra under ToT. However, this claim has yet to be confirmed by official sources.
Also Read: Sniper Targeting pod of the Pakistan Airforce
𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝗱
According to an article published in Defense Turkish Magazine, Pakistan Air Force has chosen Aselpod to replace the US made Lockheed Martin’s Sniper XR and Thales Group’s Targeting Pod, which it found better than both of them in terms of capabilities and features. The pod was originally developed by Aselsan for Turkish Air Force F-16 and F-4 aircraft. Although Pakistan is using Lockheed Martin’s sniper pod on its F-16. But this pod was chosen for the JF-17 Thunder.
We’ve already heard reports of dedicated chin hard points about this pod for JF-17 Thunder’s Block 3, which certainly reflects confidence in the capabilities of this advanced targeting pod. Importantly, it is possible that Pakistan will be able to use this pod on its F-16 aircraft as and when required.
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝗱
Aselpod is actually a third-generation multi-sensor targeting pod that can be used as a target Designator for electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting. The key feature of this pod is the ability to track air-to-air targets, which we will discuss later. The Aselpod has a diameter of 16.9 inches and a length of 92 inches. It weighs 240 kg. The sniper targeting pod has a diameter of 11.9 inches, a length of 98.2 inches and a weight of 202 kg. We’ve already shared a article on the sniper targeting pod with you.
𝗔𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
Aselpod is capable of tracking up to eight targets at a time. This pod can be used to guide laser-guided and satellite-guided bombs for precision strikes. The maximum range of Aselpod is stated to be 55km. Its ground targets have a range of 25km of laser guidance. It can detect targets the size of the main battle tank from a distance of 15km. What makes it special is its air-to-air capability. This pod can detect F-16 size aircraft at a range of 45km.
In this regard, it can also be used as IRST (Infrared Search and Track) for fighter jets. Now, this is a different matter regarding how effective this role is and only Pakistan Air Force knows better about it.
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