Lockheed Martin wins technology development contract for F/A-18E/F infrared search and track program

摘要

Boeing awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control a $4 million contract for the technology development phase of the F/A-18E/F Infrared Search and Track (IRST) program. The technology development contract follows a two-year, pre-system design and development program in which Lockheed Martin was down-selected as the sole source provider. "The IRST sensor system will provide next-generation capability to counter emerging threats," says Ken Fuhr, fixed-wing program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The ability to passively detect and track targets in the absence of radar capability is essential to the warfighter. It's all about seeing the enemy. If you lose sight, you lose the fight." The F/A-18E/F IRST is a passive, infrared sensor system that enables long-range detection and weapons-quality track of enemy targets under normal and electronic attack environments.