F/A-18 Infrared Search and Track (IRST)

Abstract

The AN/ASG-34A(V)1 F/A-18E/F Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system is a long-wave infrared sensor that provides a passive, out-of-band, alternate fire control system capable of detecting, tracking and engaging airborne targets, at long range, in a heavy electronic attack or radar-denied environment. IRST Block II is the primary out-of-band fire-control system for the F/A-18E/F, critical to organic passive air-to-air kill-chains required to compete with peer adversaries. Enables F/A-18E/F lethality by providing a passive means to detect, track, and target aircraft in highly contested environments in support of the objectives outlined in the National Defense Strategy. IRST enhances survivability by providing a fire-control solution without the need to radiate in the RF spectrum. The IRST system can autonomously, or in combination with other sensors, support the guidance of beyond-visual-range missiles including AIM-120C/D and AIM-9X Block II. The F/A-18E/F IRST system is an evolutionary Navy acquisition program with Block I and Block II capabilities. The USN is committed to further development of this component of the passive kill chain. This budget request supports Block II development and testing of a redesigned Infrared Receiver (IRR) and processor, enabling full Capabilities Development Document (CPD) capability over a larger field of regard. IRST was previously funded under Program Element 0204136N F/A-18 Squadrons and has been transferred to Program Element 0604014N F/A-18 Infrared Search and Track.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 0604014N_4_1319_PB_2022
• Change Summary Explanation: Cost: The FY22 funding request was reduced by $0.309 million for Rate/Misc adjustments. Increase of $14.000 million for IRST Block II zero sum realignment from IRST APN-5, Line Item 0515. Technical: Not applicable. Schedule: - Updated IOC from Q4FY21 to Q4FY22 - Updated FRP DR from 3Q FY21 to 1Q FY23 - Extended Block II ECP Hardware Development ending from 1QFY22 to Q3FY22 - Extended Block II Prototype/EDM Conversions from ending Q2FY21 to Q4FY22 - Extended Block II Prototype & Lab Test from ending Q2FY21 to Q4FY22 - Extended Block II Prototype & Flight Test from ending Q3FY21 to Q4FY22 - Completion of H16 OPEVAL extended to 4QFY21 - Updated H16 release from 2QFY21 to 4QFY21 - Combined PRR 1QFY21 and PCA 2QFY21 to 3QFY21 - Added IRST IOT&E Q3FY21-Q4FY22 - Updated VCD from 1QFY22-3QFY23 to 4QFY22 -3QFY24 - Added IROC deliveries 1QFY22-4QFY22 - Updated LRIP 3 deliveries from 2QFY22-3QFY22 to 1QFY23-2QFY23 - Updated LRIP 4 award 2QFY20 - Updated LRIP 4 deliveries from 4QFY22- 1QFY23 to 3QFY23-4QFY23 - Updated LRIP 5 award from 1QFY21 to Q4FY21 - Update LRIP 5 deliveries 1Q-2QFY24 - Added LRIP 6 award 1QFY22 - Added Gate 6 Q4FY22 - Updated FRP 1 award 1QFY23
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Advanced Electronics
• Sensors
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Computer Programs
• Control Systems
• Detection
• Engineering
• Fighter Aircraft
• Fire Control Systems
• Flight Testing
• Infrared Detectors
• Infrared Receivers
• Long-Wavelength Infrared Radiation
• Manufacturing
• National Security
• Naval Procurement
• Program Management
• Software Development
• Software Testing
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems