Lockheed Martin's SpectIR transportable infrared search and track (IRST) pod successfully acquired, tracked and provided a weapons cue during a recent live fire flight test conducted by the Air National Guard (ANG).

The SpectIR pod successfully acquired the target on the first pass and maintained a tight track throughout the engagement, providing the pilot with a passive, weapons-quality cue that enabled weapon employment.

By incorporating IRST capabilities into a pod form, the SpectIR system provides long-range, passive infrared detection and tracking of airborne threats in a transportable configuration.

"As part of a risk reduction effort for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and ANG programs, this test demonstrated the SpectIR IRST system's ability to provide warfighters with increased situational awareness, survivability and target engagement in stressing electronic attack environments," said Paul Hey, SpectIR senior program manager in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

The SpectIR IRST system is planned across numerous platforms. For the U.S. Navy F/A-18 E/F, the SpectIR sensor is mounted in the centerline fuel tank. The transportable pod format provides plug-and-play use for the F-15, F-16 and other platforms.