Lockheed Martin has secured a $233m firm-fixed-price contract to supply the US Navy and Air National Guard with IRST21 Block II systems and initial spares.
The IRST21 is a long-wave infrared system that identifies and tracks airborne targets with weapon-grade accuracy.
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This passive detection capability augments the situational awareness of pilots by offering more extended range detection and quicker target data.
Its design allows for operation without emitting signals, making it resilient to electronic jamming, which is crucial when radar efficiency is reduced due to interference.
The Block II variant, part of this contract, features advanced optics, processors, and algorithms.
These advancements extend the range of threat detection, while also providing tracking and targeting data essential for missile engagements beyond visual range.
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By GlobalDataLockheed Martin was awarded the contract after the US Navy recently declared Initial Operational Capability for IRST21, paving the way for full-rate production and fleet deployment of the Block II variant.
Lockheed Martin IRST21 programme director Cristin Stengel said: “IRST21 Block II delivers a game-changing leap in passive warfighting capabilities across multiple platforms. By significantly enhancing the range and accuracy to enable weapon employment in challenging environments, this system ensures pilots remain ahead of evolving adversaries and mission-ready at all times.”
The IRST21 system is mounted on the centreline fuel tank nose of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, where it complements the aircraft’s AN/APG-79 radar system.
In contrast, on F-15 and F-16 aircraft, it is encased in an externally mounted Legion Pod, providing advanced targeting functionality to older fourth-generation planes.
Lockheed Martin claims that the IRST21 has accumulated over 300,000 flight hours on international F-15s and F-14 platforms.
In 2018, Boeing granted Lockheed Martin a contract for phase II of the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II infrared search and track (IRST) programme.
This contract encompasses the full development, platform integration, flight testing, and qualification of the IRST21 sensor technology for the Block II Super Hornet multirole fighter aircraft.
