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 (CDD) 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, 2023
• Source ID: 0604014N_4_1319_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: Cost: The FY 2023 funding request was reduced by $8.514 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. Technical: F/A-18E/F IRST Block II will now reach IOC in Q2 FY2024. This returns the program to the original planned IOC date prior to the attempt to accelerate IRST Block II fielding. An improved contracting strategy is being executed and the program schedule has been refined in line with the new Acquisition Program Baseline that has been implemented in FY22. This will bring critical out-of-band detection and weapon-quality-track capability against advanced air threats. Schedule: - Accelerated Gate 6/CSB from Q4 FY22 to Q2 FY22 - Updated IOC from Q4 FY22 to Q2 FY24 - Updated Block II ECP Hardware Development from Q3 FY22 to Q1 FY23 - Updated Block I/II EDM Conversions from Q4 FY22 to Q2 FY23 - Updated Block II EDM (Golden Assets) from Q2 FY22 to Q4 FY22 - Removed H16 OPEVAL - Added H18 IT 1QFY21-1QFY23 - Added H18 OT 4QFY23-3QFY23 - Added DT-C2 completing Q3 FY23 - Updated IOT&E start from Q3 FY21 to Q4 FY23 - Updated VCD from Q4 FY22 to Q4 FY25 - Updated IROC Deliveries beginning Q1 FY22 to Q4 FY22 - Updated LRIP 6 from Q1 FY22 to Q4 FY22 --- FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President’s Budget request did not include out-year funding.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Advanced Electronics
• C4I
• Sensors
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Computer Programs
• Contracts
• Control Systems
• Detection
• Developmental Tests
• Engineering
• Fire Control Systems
• Flight Testing
• Infrared Detectors
• Infrared Receivers
• Long-Wavelength Infrared Radiation
• Manufacturing
• National Security
• Naval Procurement
• Software Development
• Software Testing
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems