US Navy Tests Infrared Search and Track on Boeing Super Hornet: The U.S. Navy recently tested, for the first time on a Boeing [NYSE: BA] F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor that will find hard-to-detect targets over long distances.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are developing and integrating IRST, an essential upgrade to the combat capability of the Navy's Super Hornets.
"Adding an advanced infrared sensor to the Super Hornet broadens the Navy's warfighting ability," Navy F/A-18 Program Manager Capt. Frank Morley said.
"Combined with the Super Hornet's advanced radar and the Growler's electronic attack radar jamming ability, IRST will allow the fleet to dominate the skies in all threat environments."
"We continually evolve the aircraft to outpace future adversaries," says Tim Adrian, IRST F/A-18 program manager.
"When radar isn't an option, this upgrade allows operators to locate targets and deploy the best weapon for the mission."
