01-22-2025, 03:51 PM
Lockheed Martin received a $270M contract to upgrade the F-22 fleet with an Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), using distributed TacIRST sensors. The sensors fit seamlessly into the skin of the aircraft, and will operate in areas where radar may be less functional, or not used. The sensors will also be tied into advanced DRFM jammers built into the aircraft, removing the requirement for a pod mounted system that could increase the RCS of the aircraft.
TacIRST is a distributed system of infrared sensors mounted around the aircraft, similar to the F-35 Distributed Aperture System, that allows weapons-quality accuracy to detect and track threats in the infrared spectrum. It also allows tracking of infrared missiles launched at the aircraft. It will improve on the current AN/AAR-56 MLD system that is on board the F-22. It's not clear if it will complement or replace the AAR-56 at this point.
The F-22 is currently getting several upgrades, including low observable/low drag pylons and fuel tanks that will allow them to extend their range without damaging their RCS. There are also several low observable pods in development for possible EW or IRST systems. They are also potentially going to be able to carry the AIM-260 missile that has been under development since 2017. The Air Force has classified everything about the missile, but it's expected to be similar in size to the AIM-120, with significantly increased range and performance. There are also other systems improvements in development, from new GPS, new radios, new IFF, and a new helmet.
https://theaviationist.com/2025/01/22/f-...ve-system/
https://interestingengineering.com/milit...-detection
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2025-01-...on-Sensors
![[Image: GhhqH5dWkAAd6Pj.jpg]](https://denyignorance.com/uploader/images/GhhqH5dWkAAd6Pj.jpg)
![[Image: GhhqH65WIAAC7Qp.jpg]](https://denyignorance.com/uploader/images/GhhqH65WIAAC7Qp.jpg)
TacIRST is a distributed system of infrared sensors mounted around the aircraft, similar to the F-35 Distributed Aperture System, that allows weapons-quality accuracy to detect and track threats in the infrared spectrum. It also allows tracking of infrared missiles launched at the aircraft. It will improve on the current AN/AAR-56 MLD system that is on board the F-22. It's not clear if it will complement or replace the AAR-56 at this point.
The F-22 is currently getting several upgrades, including low observable/low drag pylons and fuel tanks that will allow them to extend their range without damaging their RCS. There are also several low observable pods in development for possible EW or IRST systems. They are also potentially going to be able to carry the AIM-260 missile that has been under development since 2017. The Air Force has classified everything about the missile, but it's expected to be similar in size to the AIM-120, with significantly increased range and performance. There are also other systems improvements in development, from new GPS, new radios, new IFF, and a new helmet.
https://theaviationist.com/2025/01/22/f-...ve-system/
https://interestingengineering.com/milit...-detection
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2025-01-...on-Sensors
Logic is dead. Long live BS.
