French order Damocles pod for the Mirage-2000D
The French DGA has ordered 9 Thales Damocles laser designator pods on June 30, 2008. It is in addition to the first order of 1 pod. Ordered previously, the first pod will be delivered in mid-2009. The first pod will be used for the development and integration on the fighter-bombers “Mirage 2000D” of the French Air Force.
The new generation Damocles laser designator pod brings full day and night LGB capability. The IR sensor of the Damocles pod operates in the mid-wave infrared band, allowing it to retain its effectiveness in warm and/or humid conditions. Damocles is interoperable with all existing laser-guided weapons. A FLIR navigation module is part of the Damocles pod.
It provides an infrared image superimposed on the head-up display, combined with the data supplied by the navigation and weapon system. Its effective range is about 25 to 30 nm. Its performance in scope and image quality are significantly increased compared to the pod PDLCTS that is currently carried by the “Mirage 2000D.” In addition, it has a function to authenticate the illumination of a target designated by a special forces operator at ground level.
The Damocles will be delivered to the French Air Force in 2010. They also equip the “Rafale” standard F3 of the French Air Force and Navy.