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. This budget request also supports development and testing of a redesigned Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC). The ROIC vendor is not able to sustain production of the current design. The redesign will yield a more reliable configuration with potential production cost avoidances due to less usage of higher cost materials. 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2024
Source ID
0604014N_4_1319_PB_2024
Change Summary Explanation
Cost: 2069: The FY2024 funding request was increased $10.500 million for IRST Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Redesign and $.037 million for miscellaneous adjustments. 9999: FY2023 $15.000 million added for Disruptive Air and Missile Defense. Technical: Not Applicable Schedule: 2069: - Added Gate 6/CSB to 2Q FY23 - Updated FRP DR from 3Q FY24 to 1Q FY25 - Removed High Speed Mod as it is not being funded as part of the program execution - Updated Test and Evaluation activities to align with FY24 IOC - Updated production milestones and asset delivery to align with the APN-5 BLI 0515 9999: - Added schedule for Disruptive Air and Missile Defense
Service Agency Name
Navy

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Kinetic Weapons
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

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

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems

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