Raytheon producing targeting system variant for Air Force

MCKINNEY, Texas, April 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon a $90 million contract for production of the AN/DAS-4 multi-spectral targeting system with next-generation accuracy.

The AN/DAS-4 electro-optic infrared sensor system, the latest variant of the company's MTS family of sensors, incorporates greater fire control and target location accuracy technology.

"... MTS sensors provide detailed intelligence data from the visual and infrared spectra," Raytheon said. "The new MTS variant allows mission commanders to use high-definition data from an airborne tactical sensor to identify and engage targets with much greater accuracy, significantly improving overall mission effectiveness."

Other improvements incorporated into the new MTS variant include four high-definition cameras covering five spectral bands; a three-color diode pump laser designator/rangefinder; laser spot search and track capability; automated sensor and laser bore sight alignment; three-mode target tracker; and built in provisions for future growth.

"These next generation capabilities give our warfighters an unfair advantage through more effective assessment of threats and engagement of targets," said Fred Darlington, vice president of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems at Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems.