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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0604014N_4_1319_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- Cost: 2069: FY25 reduction of $3.872M for miscellaneous rate adjustments. 9999: Not Applicable Technical: 2069: Not Applicable 9999: Not Applicable Schedule: 2069: FY25 and out schedule updated due to the F/A-18 System Configuration Set (SCS) transitioning from a H-Build software model that delivered a major release every two years to a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that will deliver smaller releases more frequently as part of Continuous Integration, Delivery & Deployment (CID&D). Under CID&D, the previous SCS H-builds have been combined into a common baseline that provides release opportunities when capabilities are ready. The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G schedules reflect two release opportunities per Fiscal Year (FY); this is a notional schedule only, as the program is not tied to two releases a year and will determine when to release based on requirements and software readiness. Under CID&D the program will deliver capability to the warfighter with relevance and more quickly than the waterfall construct of H-builds allowed. - Revised Sensor Improvements to complete in Q1 FY29 9999: - Not Applicable
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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