IRST21, pictured on the F/A-18F, is a passive, long-wave infrared sensor systems that searches for and detects heat sources within its large field-of-regard, enabling long-range detection and track of enemy targets under normal and electronic attack environments.

Orlando, Florida, Feb. 4, 2025 – The U.S. Navy has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) status for a new infrared search-and-track (IRST) sensor system developed by Lockheed Martin(NYSE:LMT) for F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters.. At the core of this innovative system is IRST21, Lockheed Martin’s long-wave infrared search-and-track sensor that passively detects airborne targets ...

2025年2月5日 · The United States Navy has declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the IRST21 sensor system, developed by Lockheed Martin, for the F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the aircraft’s passive detection capabilities and paves the way for full-scale production , scheduled for later this ...

2025年2月5日 · Lockheed Martin‘s advanced infrared search-and-track (IRST) system has reached initial operating capability (IOC) on the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft.. This new system, named IRST21, is a long-wave infrared search-and-track sensor that allows for the passive detection of airborne threats at extended ranges, far surpassing visual capabilities.

2025年2月5日 · The U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the IRST21 infrared search-and-track (IRST) sensor system developed by Lockheed Martin for the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the company announced in a statement. ... The IRST21 system is a long-wave infrared sensor designed to passively detect airborne targets beyond visual range ...

6 天之前 · Block II added an improved sensor, upgraded processor and additional software, with a first deployment planned in 2025. A full-rate production decision for the system is scheduled for the spring of 2025 to authorise the US Navy to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with IRST Block II.

As a passive, long-range sensor system, IRST21 uses infrared search and track technology to detect and track airborne threats with weapon-quality accuracy. Even in electronic attack environments, IRST21 provides autonomous, accurate

2025年2月5日 · “Achieving IOC for IRST21 is a significant milestone and a testament to the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy,” said Paul Hey, director of Lockheed Martin’s IRST programs. “This advanced sensor provides a critical capability to detect and track airborne threats at greater distances, ensuring pilots can ...

As a passive, long-range sensor system, IRST21 uses infrared search and track technology to detect and track airborne threats with weapon-quality accuracy, increasing pilot reaction time and improving survivability in radar-denied environments. Can be integrated on an aircraft through Legion Pod, in a fuel tank, in a pylon, or embedded.

Lockheed Martin’s IRST21® sensor provides passive lethality, meaning it allows pilots to see opposition aircraft and target them without being seen. This is made possible by the sensor seeing the heat signature – or “skin” – of an aircraft, which ultimately increases pilot survivability.