IAI/ELTA is showing the latest addition to its Synthetic Aperture radar family — the Radar Targeting Pod (RTP), currently in development. The pod is designed to accommodate the same package used by the RAFAEL/Northrop Grumman LITENING EO targeting pod. It will provide fighter pilots an all-weather terrain imaging capability covering a large area, as well as “zoom-in” capability to identify targets from very long range. Various automatic modes will enable reduced pilot workload, including net-centricity, detection and tracking of moving targets, and employment of image processing, and feature extraction to rapidly engage time-sensitive targets with precision-guided munitions. RTP will provide new opportunities for the upgrading of existing fighter and attack aircraft, where radar replacement was unfeasible. Since RTP will be compatible with LITENING, a significant number of air forces currently operating the RAFAEL pod could become potential customers for the RTP.
