Lockheed Martin has won a contract for the technology development phase of Boeing’s F/A-18E/F infrared search and track (IRST) programme, following a two-year pre-system design contract.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet IRST sensor system will enable the warfighters to passively detect, track and engage targets at long-range in normal and electronic environments.

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Using the system, warfighters can maintain on-board situational awareness, improving survival and lethal capabilities in defensive and offensive air roles, respectively.

Lockheed promotes advantages of the system are improved raid cell count at maximum declaration ranges and increased target range accuracy.

The $4m contract was awarded after the development programme launched two years ago where Lockheed was selected as the sole source provider.

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