# CSIR and Sysdel unveil advanced ACEPOD Electronic Warfare pod

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/11/csir-and-sysdel-unveil-advanced-acepod-electronic-warfare-pod/
- Published: 2024-11-28T11:15:12+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

In a significant leap for South Africa’s airborne defense capabilities, an advanced
electronic warfare (EW) pod developed by Sysdel, Armscor, the South African Air 
Force (SAAF), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was 
unveiled at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in September. This
development marks a milestone in the country’s quest to enhance its electronic warfare
capabilities.

The **Acepod**, first reported by _defenceWeb_ last week was designed by Sysdel 
of Centurion and supported by Armscor and the SAAF, is short for Airborne Countermeasure
and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) Pod. This technology demonstrator, funded by
the SAAF and acquisition agency Armscor, aims to develop and demonstrate advanced
electronic warfare technology. Additionally, it provides crucial training to EW 
and radar personnel, enabling the SAAF to develop strategies and expertise in operating
with jamming equipment.

ADVERTISEMENT

### **Collaborative Efforts**

Sysdel, specializing in the development, manufacture, and support of Electronic 
Warfare systems in the radar domain, led the original design of the Acepod Mk 1.
The CSIR was brought in to support integration, specifically focusing on adapting
the pod to the fast jet environment. This collaboration leveraged Sysdel’s electronic
warfare expertise and the CSIR’s proficiency in aircraft integration, addressing
challenges related to aerodynamics, physical constraints, and flight requirements.

One of the major hurdles during development was the pod’s size. Weighing 326 kilograms
and stretching over three and a half meters in length, it is the heaviest payload
ever integrated onto a South African Hawk. The limited ground clearance of the Hawk’s
relatively low undercarriage posed additional challenges. To tackle this, the CSIR
developed a custom trolley to safely load and mount the pod under the aircraft’s
center pylon.

### **Cost-Effective Innovation**

The integration process was completed at a fraction of the cost that would have 
been charged by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The CSIR’s work on the
Acepod Mk 2 led to the development of a new methodology for integrating large payloads
onto fast jets, which has since been patented.

ADVERTISEMENT

### **Testing and Future Plans**

The first flight test of the Acepod Mk 2 took place in March this year. Primary 
envelope expansion tests confirmed the pod’s compatibility with the Hawk, validating
its structural and operational integrity in flight. The next phase, involving the
testing of the pod’s actual jamming payload, is scheduled for early next year. This
timeline depends on the availability of testing facilities in South Africa, including
critical vibration tests that will further validate the pod’s performance.

The pod requires considerable support from the aircraft to function, drawing power
from the Hawk to run its onboard systems. The collaborative effort between Sysdel,
the CSIR, and the SAAF’s Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC) was essential
in overcoming these technical hurdles. The CSIR orchestrated the process in close
coordination with the Air Force’s Directorate System Integrity.

ADVERTISEMENT

### **A Leap Forward**

The Acepod Mk 2 represents a major advancement in South Africa’s electronic warfare
capabilities. The SAAF has never had access to such a powerful jamming pod. Once
fully operational, the Acepod will significantly enhance the SAAF’s ability to conduct
EW missions and safeguard its airspace against evolving threats. This development
underscores South Africa’s commitment to advancing its defense technology and maintaining
a robust defense posture.

As the project moves forward, the collaborative efforts of Sysdel, the CSIR, Armscor,
and the SAAF continue to pave the way for cutting-edge innovations in electronic
warfare, ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of military technology
advancements.

### _Related_