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
-
Contract moves new Abrams tank forward in the face of cuts
Several US Army vehicle programmes were axed by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to transform the US Army, as outlined in the Letter to the Force: Army Transformation Initiative document. However, the new generation Abrams M1E3 main battle tank (MBT) was singled out for survival. But what will it look like?
-
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
-
British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6
Babcock is offering the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 for one of the elements of the UK Land Mobility Programme (LMP). It would be a replacement for some of the UK’s existing armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) fleets including the FV432 which is now some 70 years old.
-
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?