The US Navy has given its approval for low-rate initial production of the F/A-18 Super Hornet infrared search and track (IRST) system, which has been developed and integrated by Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
IRST is a passive, long-range sensor equipped with radar-jamming technology designed to simultaneously track multiple targets and provide air-to-air targeting capability when encountering advanced airborne threats.
US Navy F/A-18 programme manager captain Frank Morley said: "This see-first, strike-first capability can be used in a variety of threat environments and is a game changer for our warfighters as we combat future adversaries."
The system includes Lockheed’s IRST21 sensor, the GE Aviation FPU-13 fuel tank assembly and the Meggitt Defense Industry environmental control unit.
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By GlobalDataIRST21 is the upgrade of Lockheed’s legacy IRST sensor system, which accumulated more than 300,000 flight hours on the US Navy’s F-14 and international F-15 platforms.
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The long-range sensor uses F/A-18 sensor data to provide maximum situational awareness.
A series of extensive assessments and reviews, including flight tests, were conducted to demonstrate the system’s production readiness on Super Hornet.
Boeing F/A-18 IRST programme manager Tim Adrian said: "The IRST system is another example of how we continue to evolve Super Hornet capabilities to ensure it outpaces future adversaries."
The Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft capable of performing a range of missions, including day / night strikes with precision-guided weapons, suppressing enemy air defences and reconnaissance operations.
The IRST is expected to be installed on the helicopter in 2017.
Image: Two US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets fly a combat patrol over Afghanistan. Photo: courtesy of staff sgt Aaron Allmon, US Air Force.
