Machine gun pods that are fitted to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft are undergoing a transformation as they transition from analogue to digital. FN Herstal – a leader in the design, manufacture and integration of airborne machine gun pods for several decades – is leading the way in this digital transformation, and in this blog we discover more.
Self-contained weapon pods, typically containing a 12.7mm (.50 cal) machine gun, are cost-efficient since aircraft – even if not originally designed for it – can be rapidly transformed to perform multi-role missions, including light attack. Working alongside an experienced technical partner, these standalone weapons can be seamlessly integrated using the aircraft’s external pylons.
By fitting a weapon system, a helicopter that normally carries troops can quickly and flexibly switch to attack roles to meet operational demands.
Multirole military helicopters in particular are increasingly popular, since they can perform multiple missions without armed forces having to invest in a fleet of disparate helicopter types. By fitting a weapon system, a helicopter that normally carries troops can quickly and flexibly switch to attack roles to meet operational demands.
FN Herstal’s popular analogue pods date back to the 1980s, with hundreds sold and installed on 50+ aircraft types. These pods contain a single FN® M3P .50 cal machine gun, and depending on pod type, three 70mm (2.75-inch) rockets can be added too. The FN® M3P, possessing a high 1,100-rounds-per-minute rate of fire, is perfectly integrated inside the pod so that it absorbs shock and reduces vibrations to the aircraft.
FN Herstal has also recently updated the FN® M3P machine gun to further improve reliability, and reduce overall maintenance and lifecycle costs.
Pods enter the digital world
A major shift occurred a few years ago when FN Herstal introduced digital gun pods alongside its existing combat-proven analogue configuration to complement its weapon systems offering. Modern aircraft had indeed largely moved to digital data transmission for mission equipment and sensors, and so digital pods permit far better integration in such data-driven aircraft.
FN Herstal’s range of digital machine guns is known as the FN® D-Pod family. Conversion kits exist so that customers can conveniently change their in-service analogue pods to digital ones.
Reflecting design considerations such as aerodynamics and speed compatibility on their parent aircraft, the digital pods retain the shape of their analogue equivalents so as to optimize/minimize the delta in certifications. Each gun pod variant is optimised for different platform requirements, including drag reduction and shape optimisation for the higher speeds experienced by light attack jet aircraft up to Mach 0.9.
And like their analogue counterparts, the digital pods are designed to collect firing residues, i.e. links and cases, which has both ecological and safety benefits. Used belt links are always collected to prevent interference with helicopter structures or rotors and spent cartridge cases may or may not be collected depending on a specific pod’s design. Pods can even be jettisoned in an emergency too.
The whole suite
The popularity of digital gun pods is rapidly growing. FN® D-Pods are installed on the MD 530 helicopter, for instance, and qualification is occurring on platforms including Leonardo’s AW109, AW149, AW169 and the Airbus Helicopters H160M.
Fitting pods on fixed-wing aircraft is a trend too, especially when training pilots to fire weapons. Digital pods mounted on a trainer jet are cheaper than using dedicated fighter jets.
The FN® D-Pod represents one component of the full FN® Airborne Digital Suite designed and develop by FN Herstal, which allows customers to develop a fully integrated weapon solution for their airborne platforms. This product set also includes a digital pod controller for managing armaments, a digital intervalometer that ensures firing of rockets at correct intervals, and a digital head-up display that serves as a sighting solution that improves accuracy in firing, hence reducing the pilot workload and improving target acquisition time. The FN® Airborne Digital Suite can also integrate third-party equipment such as rocket launchers and electro-optic/infrared systems.
(…)as part of its 360-degree support service, FN Herstal also provides integrated logistics support including full in-service support, training, maintenance and user manuals.
Furthermore, in order to support the digital suite, FN Herstal can provide a full set of Ground Support Equipment. This includes a test unit, which enables ground crews to fully and safely test pod functions. Customers can also make adjustments, record parameters, and troubleshoot more easily on a digital pod.
Additionally, as part of its 360-degree support service, FN Herstal also provides integrated logistics support including full in-service support, training, maintenance and user manuals.
A one-stop-shop for airborne platforms
Integrating weapon pods onto an aircraft requires an experienced technical partner that can deliver a reliable, safe and highly capable solution. FN Herstal’s significant experience of providing combat-proven machine guns, certified weapon pods and associated technologies – as well as its long-standing relationships with many platform OEMs and end users worldwide – means that this complex integration is performed in an efficient and professional manner, resulting in a very high-quality end product.
And with such a comprehensive product set as that associated with the FN® D-Pod, FN Herstal demonstrates its ability to go beyond the manufacture of high-quality weapons and pods, and instead provide a complete solution. If a military wants to convert a green helicopter into a reliable weapon system for light attack roles, for example, FN Herstal is a one-stop shop that can do so.
Digital weapon pods are a fantastic capability for modern military aircraft and FN Herstal understands and proactively addresses the challenges that exist in ensuring a safe and reliable weapon system.
The future
Where will airborne weapon pods go in the future? FN Herstal isn’t standing still and is continuing the development of digital pods that will continue to incorporate new capabilities. Although specific details are yet to be revealed, digitisation has opened the door for such next-generation pods.
New developments are also expected in the area of materials. FN Herstal expects to use more composite materials to ensure regulatory compliance and to reduce weight, the latter a critical consideration for airborne platforms.
Take your airborne capabilities to the next level. Discover how FN Herstal’s latest advancements in digital pods and integrated systems can further refine your operations. Connect with our specialists today to explore tailored solutions for your missions.
