Solutions for Fixed Forward-firing Weapons

FN Herstal will focus visitor attention during the Paris Air Show next week on its ‘one stop shop’ approach to the market, highlighting in particular its newly-introduced FN Airborne Digital Suite, which aims to provide users with the highest level of operational capability.

A helicopter mock-up will integrate the suite, specifically designed and developed to meet challenging market demands and expectations on integrating machine gun pods into modern platforms. The ITAR-free suite, comprises three complementary and interconnected components:

• The FN Digital Head-Up Display (D-HUD): a modern and cost-effective targeting solution to improve precision in firing. It enhances accuracy and situational awareness while reducing pilot workload. It is easy to integrate, ergonomic and equipped with high-end optics technology and a ballistic computation solution: it can be fitted to new helicopters or retrofitted to those already in service;

• The FN Digital Pod Controller (D-PC): a new, fully digital armament management system (AMS), designed to control digital pods and/or rocket launchers. It is integrated into the platform and connected to the pods via MIL-STD-1760-compliant protocols;

• The FN D-Pod: a self-contained fixed-forward pod system, featuring the well-known .50 cal M3P machine gun, now with digital communication. The .50 cal D-RMP Pod (ammo capacity: 250 rounds and 3 x 2.75″ rocket launcher tubes) will be shown at Paris and can be can be operated either by the FN D-PC or other AMS. It allows for rapid reconfiguration of helicopters or subsonic aircraft between missions.

The helicopter mock-up will also feature the FN Turning Light Door Pintle (LDP), featuring the celebrated MAG 58M machine gun.