DRDO to consider development of Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) for indigenous fighters like Tejas Mk-1A, Mk2

Source : Indian Defence Update (IDU)

Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) in the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter (Image Source : Airsoc)

The DRDO is considering the development of an Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) for Non-Stealth fighter jets like Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 fighter jets to reduce the Radar Cross Section (RCS) while carrying a weapons payload and also reduce drag and further improve the low observability of the aircraft.

Inside view of Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP)

The Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) will be a centerline pod that can carry one ton of weapons that might include up to four Astra air-to-air missiles or six SAAW missiles or two Astra missiles and 500 kilograms laser-guided bomb.

The DRDO is planning to carry out feasibility studies of design and to see if more than one Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) can be integrated into an aircraft and to study its effects on the airframe check signature levels and its ability to manage high maneuvers.