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.
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