The US Air National Guard (ANG) has completed testing of the Lockheed Martin-built SpectIR transportable infrared search and track (IRST) pod, as part of a risk reduction effort for the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Navy.

During the live fire flight test, the SpectIR pod successfully tracked the target on the first pass while providing weapons-quality cue with weapon employment.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control business SpectIR senior programme manager Paul Hey said that the recent test has validated the system’s ability to provide warfighters’ with enhanced situational awareness, survivability and target engagement in electronic attack environments.

The SpectIR system provides long-range, passive infrared detection and tracking of airborne threats in a transportable configuration in dense threat environments by incorporating IRST capabilities into a pod form.

The system features high-angle accuracy, and will enhance aircrews’ ability to track and engage closely spaced targets at maximum range.

The system can be used either as a standalone or as in combination with other sensor data to enhance situational awareness, ensuring first-to-see, first-to-shoot capability for the crew.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The survivability and lethal capabilities of the system enable target detection in advanced electronic attack and heavy radio frequency/infrared countermeasure environments while achieving superiority in both offensive and defensive counter-air roles.

Capable of operating in a wide variety of flight regimes, the system delivers robust performance against a wide variety of targets while ensuring immunity to electronic detection and RF countermeasures.

Lockheed and Boeing are developing a transportable IRST pod for the F-15C in collaboration with the USAF.

The system will also be used to support various platforms including US Navy F/A-18 E/F as well as the F-16 and other platforms.