F-22 To Receive New Defensive Infrared Sensor System
Lockheed Martin announced on 22 January, that the company has received a $270 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to integrate a system of next-generation infrared defensive sensors on the F-22 Raptor.
According to Lockheed, the F-22 will “soon” feature a newly developed, distributed set of embedded TacIRST sensors developed by Lockheed Martin to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality, known as the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS). In addition to managing integration of IRDS on the F-22, the company will also support integration on other platforms.
TacIRST has previously been installed on F-5 Advanced Tigers (upgraded F-5E/F Tiger IIs) operated by private adversary air training company Tactical Air Support, as well as on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ MQ-20 Avenger unmanned drones. In 2022, General Atomics and Lockheed used two Advanced Tigers, an Avenger and a Lockheed Sabreliner operating as a surrogate fighter to perform collaborative multi platform infrared sensing as part of a manned-unmanned teaming experiment.
“We understand the need for advanced and versatile infrared systems like IRDS that will make pilots’ missions more survivable and lethal against current and future adversaries,” said Hank Tucker, vice president of Missions Systems at Lockheed Martin. “We’re committed to supporting the Air Force through continuous innovation of capabilities to deter and defeat evolving threats.”
Justin Taylor, vice president, F-22 program at Lockheed Martin added: “Lockheed Martin is proud to continue partnering with the Air Force on essential modernization efforts for the Raptor, leveraging our expertise in 5th Generation aircraft and air dominance systems to integrate capabilities that ensure uninterrupted U.S. air superiority today and into the future.”
While the USAF has been developing a new IRST sensor for the F-22, publicly available information was of a sensor system mounted in an external pod, while Lockheed’s statement says that IRDS will be a set of embedded sensors. Additionally, IRDS is intended for defensive purposes, hinting at a possible upgrade to the F-22’s current missile approach warning system, the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector.