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
-
US speeds up Abrams deliveries to Ukraine by switching to M1A1s
The US will deliver Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine faster than initially planned by switching from providing M1A2s to refurbished M1A1s.
-
Delivering advanced C4I at the tip of the spear (Sponsored)
Digitalising your dismounted troops comes with some key capability requirements for mission success.
-
Greece confirms amphibious assault vehicle plan with FMS request
Greece has moved ahead with plans to acquire a fleet of Assault Amphibious Vehicles from US Marine Corps surplus stocks.
-
Boxers join fight club with start of Australian production
Production of Australian-assembled Boxer 8x8 vehicles has commenced in Queensland, and the possibility even exists of exporting some back to Germany.
-
Beleaguered Ajax programme moves on with new, much later, in-service dates
The UK's Ajax armoured vehicle programme faces further delays, with platforms not entering service until 2025 and full operating capability not until 2028-29, causing concern for the British Army's modernisation plans.
-
Mobility and deception keeping Ukrainian air defence systems intact
Mobility and deception tactics have helped keep Ukrainian air defence systems stay online during Russia's invasion of the country.