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Lockheed Martin's Advanced EOTS Improves Range, Resolution, and Infrared Targeting Capabilities
Lockheed Martin's Advanced EOTS Improves Range, Resolution, and Infrared Targeting Capabilities
In 2014 a Daily Beast article called out the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), the sensor complex housed beneath its nose and designed as a stealthy alternative to external targeting pods.advanced eots The EOTS was accused of lagging behind contemporary external pods in terms of range, resolution, and infrared laser designator functionality. While it’s unfortunate that the EOTS doesn’t match the capabilities of the best 4th generation fighter jets in some areas, those allegations have proven to be overblown.
In fact, despite the claims, there are a number of ways that the EOTS is still far better than most competing technologies.advanced eots And that’s important because having a great built-in targeting system can mean the difference between a combat-ready jet and one that’s waiting for its first upgrade.
That’s why Lockheed Martin is continuing to develop the EOTS, and it’s currently in low rate initial production on its Advanced EOTS variant that will be used as an upgrade for Block 4 F-35s starting in 2019. Advanced EOTS features improved multi-spectral range with a larger aperture while maintaining the same volume and weight. It also offers high-resolution mid-wave IR, short-wave IR and near IR with enhanced capabilities while being easy to integrate into the F-35 via a 'plug and play' approach.
The new EOTS sensor features an infrared imaging system with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and infrared search and track (IRST) functions. The system is linked to the F-35’s integrated system computer through a high-speed fiber optic interface, and it can provide pilots with an air-to-air and air-to-ground battlespace picture. Combined with systems like EO DAS and the AN/APG-81 radar, the EOTS provides pilots with an outstanding battlespace picture.
Aside from its superior image quality, Advanced EOTS offers better reliability and lower costs per operating hour, which is expected to save over $1 billion for users over its lifetime. This is partly because of improvements in manufacturing, but it’s also thanks to a dedicated team of employees and supply chain professionals that consistently meet the program’s stringent quality standards.
While some other F-35 competitors have external targeting pods, most use the EOTS, which is built-in to each jet, and therefore doesn’t add extra drag or weight. Having an internal sensor like this can also help combatants in the same task force share data and information, making it easier for commanders to make decisions about what targets to pursue. And with the EOTS already providing higher image resolution and more capability, this advanced version could see it outperform other targeting systems in the future as well. This is what makes it so exciting.
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