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
-
![US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence]()
US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence
The Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Pinckney undertook the tests against a simulated SM-6 missile.
-
![Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific]()
Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific
HMS Dauntless ran a full UAV test to mimic potential real-world threats.
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
