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IRST21, shown on the F/A-18E/F. Photo: Lockheed Martin
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[Avionics Today 01-23-2015] The F/A-18 Super Hornet Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, developed and integrated by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, received approval from the United States Navy to enter Low-Rate Initial Production (LIRP).
The IRST system consists of Lockheed Martin’s IRST21 sensor, the GE Aviation FPU-13 fuel tank assembly and the Meggitt Defense industry environmental control unit. The system demonstrated its production readiness through a series of extensive assessments and reviews, including flight tests.
“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,” said U.S. Navy F/A-18 Program Manager Capt. Frank Morley. IRST is expected to deploy on the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2017.