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
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
![US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update]()
US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
-
![Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover]()
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
-
![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.
