Engineering model of TIALD installed on a Tornado aircraft. The pod's sightline field of regard covers +50 to -155 degrees, combined with a ± 180 degree roll. A field of view of either three or twelve degrees can be selected by the aircrew

Tornado Receives Revamped Targeting System

Exciting Future for the Tornado Targeting System

Tornado, the latest strike aircraft of Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF), is to receive a major upgrade in capability when a new target designation system is installed.

Europe has, for much of the year, notoriously bad flying weather and this, combined with the ever increasing efficiency of anti-aircraft defences, forces strike aircraft to fly at low altitudes at night and in very bad weather. Under these conditions, rapid and efficient target location is essential and the Tornado’s new system will fulfil this requirement.

Such is the market potential for the new project, known as Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD), that three British companies are collaborating in the use of the latest technology to produce the most capable and efficient system available. The three – Ferranti, GEC Avionics and British Aerospace (BAe) – were brought together in 1986 when a British Ministry of Defence contract for £2m was awarded. With Ferranti acting as prime contractor, a demonstrator system has been built and has begun trials.

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