Systems Integration and Flight Testing of a Laser Designation Pod and Laser-guided Bombs on the Italian Tornado Interdiction Strike Aircraft

Abstract. Since the beginning of the 90's, the Italian Air Force Flight Test Centre (CSV-RSV) has been involved in various activities related to laser-guided weapons and infrared laser designation systems for airborne and ground applications. The Thomson Convertible Laser Designation Pod (CLDP) with both TV and IR capabilities have been integrated on the TORNADO Interdiction Strike (IDS) aircraft, together with Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) PAVEWAY II and III. Ground laser target designators and laser warning receivers have also been tested. Further activities, currently ongoing, include the integration of the CLDP and improved LGBs on the AM-X aircraft. This paper begins with a review of the military requirements and flight test activities carried out on the Italian TORNADO-IDS, followed by a description of the CLDP/LGBs characteristics and performance. It then goes on to present the simulation tools which have been implemented for systems integration and performance/safety analysis with an emphasis on the inherent advantages introduced during development and flight test activities (that is, aerodynamics and safe-separation analysis, preliminary performance estimation, laser hazards determination and laser/ballistic safety assessment, test activities speed-up).

Related topics:  laser designation, lasers, surveillance and target acquisition

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