Thu, Dec 03, 2009
Lockheed Martin Delivers Electro-Optical Targeting System
Lockheed Martin has marked successful entry into low rate
initial production on the F-35 Lightning II Electro-Optical
Targeting System (EOTS). The first production units have been
delivered to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, for
integration onto the aircraft.
Embedded into the F-35's fuselage with an innovative faceted
sapphire window, the low-drag, stealthy EOTS is the world's first
and only sensor combining forward-looking infrared and infrared
search and track functionality. The F-35 EOTS will provide
Lightning II pilots with significant air-to-air and air-to-ground
situational awareness in a single compact and completely passive
sensor.
"Our team looks forward to meeting its commitment to provide a
superior targeting system to F-35 pilots around the world as we
gear up to produce more than 3,000 units," said Rich Hinkle,
program director of F-35 Lightning II EOTS at Lockheed Martin
Missiles and Fire Control. "This delivery marks a pivotal
achievement for the EOTS as we transition from a system design and
development program to a production program."
The F-35 EOTS production is ramping up to produce up to 200
units a year. "The outlook for the F-35 program is very strong,"
Hinkle said. "Our success in supporting the program is vital to the
F-35's mission to provide dominant airpower across the full
air-to-air, air-to-ground mission spectrum."
The latest generation infrared sensor technology, the F-35 EOTS
builds upon the success of Lockheed Martin's Sniper® Advanced
Targeting Pod to provide high-resolution imagery, automatic target
tracking, infrared-search-and-track, laser designation and range
finding, as well as laser spot tracking--all at greatly increased
standoff ranges. Modular components allow the F-35 EOTS to be
maintained on the flight line for true two-level maintenance.
More News
Runway Centerline Lighting Flush centerline lights spaced at 50-foot intervals beginning 75 feet from the landing threshold and extending to within 75 feet of the opposite end of t>[...]
Aero Linx: Air Force Global Strike Command Air Force Global Strike Command, activated August 7, 2009, is a major command with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, i>[...]
Also: Viasat-uAvionix, UL94 Fuel Investigation, AF Materiel Command, NTSB Safety Alert Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next gli>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: Moya Delivery Drone, USMC Drone Pilot, Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle, RapidFlight UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services >[...]