Prateek, can you share more information on the Optronics pod. What are its capabilities and what is the range of its sensor systems. How does it help in battle conditions ?
Data of LCH - OPTRONICS pod , as i said earlier is classified . We don't know its range , wavelength of operation, resolution etc .
How does it help in battle conditions
The first Query , how it works Well ,
If you know something about Targeting Pod on Fighter jets , it would have been easier .
Optronics Pod essentially comprises 2-3 components a
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FLIR / [(IRST)what we call in general ]
Wikipedia FLIR to learn how it works , in short FLIR is must for darkness.
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Laser Range-finder LRF
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Laser Range-Designator (LRF/D)
In case of LCH Optronics Turret is on NOSE - like this
It is this placement of the sensors on the nose LCH that is the major drawback of this sensor suite. Pod location on this part of the airframe requires the LCH to completely unmask itself from cover in order to use this sensors.
Apache would be a good example to explain it better -
In case of Apache there are two sensors in place on two different Turrets . These are
TADS -Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS)
PNVS- Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS)
The PNVS is mounted above the nose structure of the aircraft, while the larger TADS turret occupies the underside of the nose section
For PNVS - use Wikipedia to learn how it works , in short
The (PNVS) consists of a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) device that turns night into day for the pilot, a critical function for an aircraft which often must travel low and fast in order to survive .
TADS - comprises of a FLIR device, two types of optical cameras, and a Laser Range-finder/Designator (LRF/D) . Entire assembly is divided into
night (starboard) and day (port) halves, each capable of independent elevation .
DAYLIGHT SYSTEM( see above image ) - On the port side are three sensors for the detection and tracking of targets when there is daylight. They are mounted in a vertical column and consist of the Direct View Optics (DVO) sensor at the top, a TV optical sensor (DTV) below, and a laser range-finder/designator at the bottom. The DVO is an optical telescope with two magnifications: x4 magnification at 18 deg. FoV, or x16 magnification at 4 deg. FoV.
The TV optical sensor offers up to x127 magnification with a corresponding FoV of 0.45 degrees.
The laser designator is a neodymium laser with an effective range of 20 km (12 miles) aser fulfills two specific functions. First, the laser designates targets for either its own missiles, or the missiles of another helicopter. Rather than operate in a continuous beam, the laser pulses in a pre-designated pattern. This "codes" that particular laser, distinguishing it from others. Missiles intended for that target are instructed to seek out that unique code, thus ensuring that they are guided to the correct target. Second, the laser acts as a range-finder, measuring the precise distance between aircraft and target.
NIGHT SYSTEM - see above image
The starboard side of the TADS system houses the FLIR sensor which provides slightly better imagery than the PNVS. This FLIR sensor provides variable field of views ranging between 50, 10, 3.1, and 1.6 degrees FoV. The FLIR of the TADS unit can be switched between "white hot" and "black hot" in order to provide better contrast against the surrounding terrain for increased target discrimination. An adjustable gain selection also aids in this target enhancement.
The imagry from the TADS unit can either be displayed on the co-pilot/gunner's own HMS/HUD unit, on one of the MFDs, or via the primary display for the gunner, the Optical Relay Tube (ORT). In addition, a video-recorder can collect information from all of the TADS sensors. As a result, the Helicoptor needs to unmask for only a short time to collect sensory input, which can be analysed in greater detail by the crew once the aircraft drops down behind cover once again. The recorder can also be used to record the aftermath of an attack for analysis upon return to base.
This is how Optronics Pod work .
For the second Query ,
Doesn't , that mean all targeting will be limited to within the horizon.Also , how will this affect their detection of enemy units , without a radar Isn't their field of vision severely limited.
Limitation of range -
That's not true bcoz even if MMw radar is provided it will only give an effective range of at max 10-12 KMS , only advantage a radar would have given is All weather mode thats it ,bcoz FLIR and LASER suffers in adverse condition .
And when there is significant Infrared-crossover when Temp of surrounding nears the object ,that can affect detection by IRST. These are the only condition where radar is better. Placing a radar has its own cons like Jamming etc .
For the range FLIR are known to work in Night at Long ranges , and LASER can target at 20kms range . And u have ATGM with max Range of 10Km or so . And till date no BVR firing by Helos is known .
For doubt regarding Limitation of View -
Look at the coverage of FLIR and Pod
FLIR sensor provides variable field of views ranging between 50, 10, 3.1, and 1.6 degrees FoV .
TADS can be steered 120 degrees to either side horizontally and +30 / -60 degrees vertically.
The drive mechanism of turret contain both a "course" gimbal for rapid tracking and a "fine" gimbal for precision tracking of targets.
In addition, both PNVS and TADS can be rotated to a rearward-facing position when not needed in order to preserve the optical components from the wear of particles in the aircraft's flightpath.
whereas LCH is a exclusive fighting machine.
