A long-wave infrared sensor pod that searches for, identifies and tracks heat sources at extended ranges has received Navy approval for low-rate production.
Milestone C acquisition approval for the infrared search and track, or IRST, system is for six sensor pods for use on F/A-18 & EA-18G aircraft.
The sensor system was developed by Lockheed Martin in cooperation with Boeing and General Electric. The system allows an aircraft to locate and attack airborne and ground targets in situations when the plane's AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar would betray the aircraft's position if used.
"Integrating the infrared pod onto the Super Hornet revolutionizes how we fight on a networked battlefield," said Capt. Frank Morley, The Navy's PMA-265 program manager. "IRST advances the Super Hornet's role in air-to-air combat operations, keeping us ahead of our adversaries in an evolving threat environment."
The sensor pod is mounted within the Super Hornet's centerline fuel tank without modifications to the aircraft's airframe.
The Navy said performance and aeromechanical flight testing of the system will continue under Milestone C, prior to the system gaining initial operating capability status.
