Goodrich Corporation, CHARLOTTE, N.C: Poland's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has taken its first delivery of an F-16 which ultimately will be equipped with Goodrich Corporation's DB-110 airborne reconnaissance system.
Goodrich's DB-110 digital, real-time, tactical reconnaissance system allows pilots to capture images day or night using electro-optical sensor technology. Images can then be transmitted to analysts on the ground in real time.
According to Ken Luczaj, President, Goodrich's Optical and Space Systems division, “Delivery of our system will be a significant milestone for our technology as well as a step-change in the tactical ability of Poland's F-16 fleet. We're honored to be part of a first — the delivery of this innovative system to Poland's Ministry of National Defense will mark the first use of this technology on-board F-16s.”
Goodrich's DB-110 reconnaissance systems were used in Operation Iraqi Freedom on board the U.K.'s Royal Air Force Tornados and are in operation on the OP-3C aircraft flown by the Japanese Maritime Staff Office.
Goodrich's Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems (SRS) team based in Chelmsford, Mass. is under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract with the U.S. government to provide seven reconnaissance pods. The data link ground stations are designed and built by a Goodrich facility in Malvern, U.K. for the Poland Peace Sky Program.
The DB-110 will give the MND a long-range, high-resolution, stand off imaging capability to support tactical operations. The on-board system can be operated autonomously, with the DB-110 being controlled by the pod's reconnaissance management system. Imagery is viewed on the F-16's cockpit video display, enabling the pilot to verify targets and conduct tasks such as battle damage assessment. This system allows the pilot increased flexibility over current fielded systems. The DB-110 is the first long-range oblique sensor to provide long-range, medium range and short-range imaging systems to support standoff and penetrating missions.
Goodrich also operates a Machining Center of Excellence for production of complex landing gear components in Krosno, Poland. The components are used in the F-16's landing gear produced by Goodrich and used by its global customer base.
In addition to supplying the reconnaissance technology for the F-16, Goodrich is the original equipment manufacturer of many systems found from nose to tail on the aircraft ranging from wheels and brakes and landing gear to sensors and ejection seating.
Goodrich's DB-110 contract was negotiated through FMS in 2004. Poland is acquiring 48 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 advanced multi-role fighters under the Peace Sky Foreign Military Sale program.
Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.
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