Northrop Grumman upgrades Hawk EO/IR sensors
Northrop Grumman has announced the release of the latest upgrade for the Hawk Air Defense System’s electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, the Fourth Generation Tracking Adjunct Sensor (4G TAS). The company made the announcement on 25 March.
The 4G TAS detects and tracks low, fast targets both day and night and passes them to the Hawk's fire control radar. The gimbaled, stabilised, high-resolution sensor system provides passive EO/IR searching, tracking, launch and pass-off capability for the Hawk air defence system. It can provide threat assessment and identification beyond visual range, providing real-time situational awareness.
According to the company this is the only approved EO/IR upgrade available to Hawk customers worldwide, and all existing TAS, Improved TAS and Advanced Infrared TAS systems can be upgraded to the 4G TAS configuration.
Upgrades to the baseline configuration include a new 640 x 480 pixel infrared sensor that will more than double the resolution of the current system. The upgrade will also include a new charged-coupled device camera that will increase resolution and enhance operation in low-light environments; as well as including more reliable and sustainable electronics to ensure continued logistics support for the system.
Jim Mocarski, vice president of airborne tactical sensors at Northrop Grumman, said: ‘With the launch of 4G TAS, Northrop Grumman brings powerful and sustainable new capabilities to operators of the Hawk system. We continue to invest in sensors for the Hawk and will support our customers worldwide with these upgrades to help them maintain their national security.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up]()
Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up
The country’s air defence batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. The system itself is in service with more than 14 countries with 13 systems in Ukraine.
-
![Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet]()
Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet
Ukraine’s quest to replace soldiers with robots is hitting technical snags. Shephard spoke with industry leaders about difficulties in the field and what solutions are in the pipeline.
-
![DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turret]()
DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turret
The partnership between Croatia’s DOK-ING and Slovenia’s Valhalla Turrets reflects an effort to combine ground robots and with improved capabilities and new roles and follows Rheinmetall presenting its Ox with Dispatch charging docks from Valinor.
-
![British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears again]()
British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears again
The UK’s effort to replace thousands of vehicles across a dozen base vehicle types has had a troubled history and statements from the UK’s Defence Minster Luke Pollard indicate change may be on the way.
-
![EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forward]()
EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forward
EOS Defence Systems officially launched its Slinger anti-drone system in 2023. The system features a remote weapon station, visual sensors and a Northrop Grumman 30mm cannon with specially designed ammunition, combined with EOS’s stabilisation and pointing technology.
