Raytheon awarded $9 million to upgrade US Navy targeting pods
Raytheon Company has received a $9 million contract option award from the US Navy to retrofit new infrared technology on Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod systems for use on F/A-18C-F aircraft.
"This capability insertion advances system technology and mission capabilities ensuring that ATFLIR will continue to play a critical role in the US Navy's operations around the world," said Capt. Mark Darrah, Navy program manager for the F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft.
The retrofit enables Navy aircrews to mark a target with a common visual reference that can be positively identified by both the aircrew and ground troops using night vision goggles.
"These pod upgrades keep warfighters on the cutting edge of technology as they locate, identify and track potential threats to the US and its allies," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems.
ATFLIR provides the Navy with the most advanced targeting system available for F/A-18 aircraft, featuring a common optical path with continuous auto-boresight alignment. The electro-optical sensor, targeting FLIR and high-power laser work together to deliver unmatched targeting pod accuracy, increasing mission success.
Raytheon will retrofit the targeting pods in McKinney, Texas, and El Segundo, Calif.
Source: Raytheon
More from Naval Warfare
-
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
-
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.