ASELPOD was developed to reduce foreign dependency in targeting pod systems and to provide Türkiye with an indigenous precision strike capability. In modern air operations, combat aircraft are not merely weapon carriers but airborne sensor platforms. ASELPOD transforms compatible aircraft into precision ISR and strike assets.

Operational Purpose and Role

The core mission of ASELPOD is to provide high-accuracy target detection, identification, coordinate generation, and laser designation. It supports:

• Laser-guided bomb designation
• Long-range target detection and identification
• Dynamic target tracking
• Real-time ISR missions
• Battle damage assessment (BDA)

ASELPOD is integrated on the F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet of the Turkish Air Force and has also been used on the modernized F-4E 2020 Terminator aircraft. Integration is performed via MIL-STD-1553 data bus architecture.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

ASELPOD operates as a key element within a network-centric warfare framework. The engagement chain typically follows:

• Wide-area search using IR sensor
• Target identification via narrow FOV IR or TV
• Precise range measurement using laser rangefinder
• Laser designation for guided munition delivery

It is particularly effective in Close Air Support (CAS), deep strike missions, cross-border operations, and asymmetric threat environments.

While capable of limited air-to-air IR tracking, ASELPOD is primarily optimized for air-to-ground precision engagement.

System Architecture

ASELPOD consists of the following major subsystems:

• Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) imaging sensor
• High-resolution daylight TV camera
• Laser target designator
• Dual-wavelength laser rangefinder
• Laser spot tracker
• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• Stabilized gimbal assembly
• Digital image processing computer

Sensor-in-Sensor and Picture-in-Picture modes allow simultaneous wide-area surveillance and narrow-field zoom tracking.

Survivability and Stabilization

The system incorporates a high-precision stabilized gimbal capable of maintaining target lock under high-G maneuvers and turbulent conditions. Automatic boresight alignment ensures accurate targeting.

Specific electronic warfare (EW) resistance parameters are not publicly disclosed, though the system is designed for modern contested environments.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Day/night operational capability
• Long-range passive detection
• High-accuracy coordinate generation
• Multi-target tracking capability
• Indigenous production ensures supply security

Limitations

• Does not include an active radar sensor
• Provides no independent air defense capability
• Maximum detection/designation ranges are not publicly disclosed

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Weight: Approximately 230–235 kg (publicly available data)
• Configuration: External carriage targeting pod

Sensor Suite

• Cooled MWIR infrared sensor
• High-resolution CCD daylight TV camera
• Wide, medium, and narrow field-of-view modes

Exact detector resolution specifications are not publicly disclosed.

Laser Subsystems

• NATO-compatible laser target designator
• Dual-wavelength laser rangefinder
• Laser spot tracker

Maximum laser range performance is not publicly disclosed.

Image Processing and Tracking

• Inertial target tracking
• IR/TV video auto-tracking
• Multi-target tracking
• Sensor-in-Sensor
• Picture-in-Picture

Command and Control Integration

• MIL-STD-1553 interface
• Full integration with aircraft mission computer
• Mission data recording and post-flight analysis

Data Recording

• Solid-state digital recorder
• Simultaneous IR and TV video recording
• In-flight video playback capability

Deployment and Logistics

• Rapid installation and removal capability
• Compatible with NATO-standard hardpoints
• Operated by pilot or weapon systems officer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ASELPOD used for?

• ASELPOD enables combat aircraft to detect, identify, track, and laser-designate targets for precision-guided munitions. It also supports ISR and battle damage assessment missions.

What is the range of ASELPOD?

• Exact detection and designation ranges are not publicly disclosed. It is designed to perform at modern NATO-class targeting pod standards.

Can ASELPOD operate at night?

• Yes. The cooled MWIR infrared sensor enables effective night and low-visibility operations.

Which munitions are compatible?

• ASELPOD supports laser-guided bombs and laser-seeker-equipped munitions, including domestically developed laser guidance kits.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• The system features multi-target tracking; however, the exact simultaneous tracking capacity is not publicly available.

Is ASELPOD fixed or modular?

• It is an externally mounted targeting pod and can be installed or removed depending on mission requirements.

What are its international equivalents?

• Comparable systems include Lockheed Martin’s Sniper ATP and Thales’ Damocles targeting pods.

Sources

• ASELSAN Official Website – ASELPOD Product Page
• ASELSAN Product Catalogues and Press Releases
• Public Turkish Air Force integration disclosures
• Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) public statements