ORLANDO, Florida, the USA (BulgarianMilitary.com) – Lockheed Martin received a $108 million contract for phase II of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II Infrared Search and Track (IRST) program for the U.S. Navy, awarded by aircraft prime contractor Boeing, learned BulgarianMilitary.com

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The duties of Lockheed Martin under the newly received contract include development, platform integration, flight test, as well as qualification of the IRST21® Block II sensor system. The goal is the proven detection, tracking and ranging capabilities in radar-denied environments of the IRST21 to be further enhanced.

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The VP of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Michael Williamson, commented, “We are continuing a long legacy of delivering unmatched sensor technologies to our customers around the globe. The IRST21 sensor system provides U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F operators with superior detection and survivability capabilities.”

IRST21 is the next generation of the legacy IRST sensor system of Lockheed Martin. As of the moment, it has accumulated over 300,000 flight hours on the U.S. Navy’s F-14 and F/A-18E/F, international F-15 platforms, and the U.S. Air Force’s F-15C and F-16.

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As a passive, long-range sensor system, the IRST21 uses state-of-the-art infrared search and track technology for detection and tracking of airborne threats in radar-denied environments with weapon-quality accuracy and thus increases pilot reaction time and improves survivability.

The compact design of the IRST21 allows its integration to be carried out in a variety of ways. Currently, the IRST21 is mounted in the nose of the F/A-18E/F centerline fuel tank. A podded sensor system with IRST21 is also being developed and will be transportable across a wide range of platforms, including the F-16 and F-15C.

The IRST21 will provide the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force with a critical warfighting capability for meeting any threat and directly support the operational demands of the U.S. Combatant Commanders.

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Source: Lockheed Martin