Boeing [BA] yesterday said its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Infrared Search and Track (IRST) program advances to engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) after a Milestone B Acquisition Decision Memorandum from the Navy on July 13.
The IRST system is a passive, long-range sensor that searches for and detects infrared emissions. The system can simultaneously track multiple targets and provide a highly effective air-to-air targeting capability, even when encountering advanced threats equipped with radar-jamming technology.
“The IRST sensor system will expand Super Hornet detection and targeting capability in multiple mission profiles, including electronically denied environments,” said Tim Adrian, Boeing F/A-18E/F IRST program manager. “The F/A-18E/F features a balanced approach to combat survivability and lethality, employing a variety of onboard sensors that provide aircrews with unmatched situational awareness. The new IRST system will continue to expand the Super Hornet’s advanced capability.”
IRST is a critical element of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet Flight Plan, a series of planned capability enhancements that ensures the Super Hornet will continue to outdistance known and emerging threats over the coming decades, the company said in a statement.
Subcontracted to Boeing on the IRST contract are Lockheed Martin [LMT], which is producing the IRST sensor; GE Aviation [GE], for the fuel tank assembly that will contain the sensor; and Meggitt Defense Systems Inc., for the unit’s cooling subassembly.
Paul Hey, IRST senior program manager in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business, said: “In air-to-air engagements, IRST provides a discriminating capability to counter threats at greater standoff distances enhancing survivability. The successful Milestone B achievement sets the foundation for delivering IRST capability to the warfighter, and is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of the U.S. Navy and industry team.”
Lockheed Martin has an active IRST production line delivering units to equip international variants of the F-15, a Boeing-built aircraft. A mature and proven technology, IRST sensor systems first equipped F-14D aircraft aboard U.S. aircraft carriers, and have accumulated over 200,000 flight hours. Lockheed Martin is currently subcontracted to Boeing to supply IRST sensor systems in support of the Navy F/A-18E/F and Air Force F-15C IRST programs.
The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.