During the SAHA EXPO 2024 exhibition, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM presented its light EW pod family for armed UAVs/UCAVs.
The pods, weighing between 30 and 40 kg, are compatible with armed UAVs and UCAVs in use by Turkiye, including Bayraktar TB2. They are operated autonomously or semi-autonomously.
TÜBİTAK BİLGEM developed the EW pods based on its experience in F-16 electronic attack and electronic support pod projects. The pods' weight and power requirements were adjusted according to the UAVs' specifications.
The EW Pod Family consists of an ETPOD electronic attack pod, EDPOD-K electronic support pod, EHPOD-S DFRM jamming pod, and SPPOD-L/M infrared self-protection pods.
ETPOD, strictly for electronic attack function, is capable of various jamming methods, such as decoys and fake targets. It can be regarded as aimed at radars.
EDPOD-K is focused on electronic support functions, which include detection, identification, direction finding, and recording of RF signals. It can complement electronic attack pods or be used for ELINT/SIGINT missions.
EHPOD-S is the DFRM-based alternative to ETPOD, with jamming and deception capabilities against multiple threats (RF-guided air defence missiles, etc.).
SPPODs are intended against IR-guided missiles with sensors working in MWIR or LWIR wavelengths (SPPOD-M and SPPOD-L, respectively). Upon detecting the incoming missile, SPPOD launches countermeasures to direct it away from the UAV.
