ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. Navy engineering, manufacturing and development contract has been given to Lockheed Martin for an F-18 Infrared Search and Track sensor system.
"IRST is a game-changer for air-to-air combat, providing a 'first-to-see, first-to-strike' capability," said Paul Hey, IRST senior program manager in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.
"IRST works with the aircraft's radar to enhance the overall weapon system performance, even in a jamming environment, allowing the warfighter to engage threats with a high probability of success."
The IRST is a passive, long-range sensor that tracks multiple targets simultaneously over a large area. It isn't affected by electronic attack or radar jamming.
The IRST will be fitted on F/A-18E/F fighters in 2016 after attaining initial operating capability.
Lockheed said the system's high-angle accuracy also provides the ability to track closely spaced targets at maximum ranges. This information can be combined with other on-board sensor data or used alone to further enhance the pilot's situational awareness.
IRST technology was deployed on legacy U.S. Navy F-14s. Lockheed's IRST production line is still making the IRST for international variants of the F-15.
The company said it is also on subcontract to Boeing to develop an IRST system for U.S. Air Force F-15C aircraft.
