ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin
(NYSE: LMT) recently received two contracts to upgrade its IRST21
sensor system for use on the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F fleet.
Awarded by aircraft prime contractor Boeing, the Block II
contracts provide up to $100 million
for developing advanced software, performing hardware upgrades and
delivering prototypes. These efforts will further enhance IRST21's
proven detection, tracking and ranging capabilities in radar-denied
environments.
"The U.S. Navy's strategic block upgrade program enables us to
continue advancing our technology and rapidly deliver it to the
warfighter," said Paul Lemmo, vice
president of Fire Control/Special Operations Forces Contractor
Logistics Support Services at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control. "We are excited to implement the Block II upgrades and
enhance IRST21's performance."
The IRST21 sensor system uses infrared search and track
technology to detect and track airborne threats. Compared to radar,
IRST21 significantly enhances the resolution of multiple targets,
enabling pilots to accurately identify threat formations at longer
ranges. This "see first, strike first" capability empowers pilots
with greater reaction time, improving survivability.
IRST21 is the next generation of Lockheed Martin's legacy IRST
sensor system, which accumulated more than 300,000 flight hours on
the U.S. Navy's F-14 and on international F-15 platforms.
Currently, IRST21 flies mounted in the F/A-18E/F's centerline fuel
tank.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin