The constant evolution of aerial threats, such as operations in contested environments, is redefining the equipment that combat aircraft of the United States Armed Forces must possess. This is evident in the integration of new Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensors into current combat platforms. The latest milestone was reported by the U.S. Navy, which confirmed that the new IRST Block II pod, set to equip its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC). However, as recent official reports indicate, the adoption of this new capability has not been without challenges.
Officially designated ASG-34A(V)1, this new Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system has been developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Navy’s Super Hornets. It is mounted on the forward section of the aircraft’s ventral fuel tank.
According to official statements from the U.S. Navy regarding the program, the ASG-34A(V)1 is designed to integrate with and complement the AN/APG-79 fire control radar on the Super Hornet, enhancing situational awareness in highly contested environments. The new IRST system provides passive fire control capabilities to search, detect, track, and engage airborne targets, operating autonomously or in combination with other sensors. It also supports the guidance of short-range air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II, and beyond-visual-range missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
The development of this new system dates back to 2011, when the U.S. Navy established this requirement and launched a two-phase development program. The first phase, known as Block I, involved integrating the new IRST sensors into the Super Hornet’s fuel tanks, followed by a series of tests and evaluations starting in 2019. The second phase, Block II, focused on maturing the system by incorporating improved sensor versions, enhanced processing, and refined software, aiming for the first operational deployment in 2025.
The adoption of this technology in fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft has become essential in response to advancements made by potential adversaries such as China and Russia. IRST technology offers significant advantages over traditional radars, as it relies on the infrared spectrum to detect and track airborne targets. This is particularly relevant given the rise of stealth fighters designed to evade traditional radar detection. Additionally, since IRST does not emit radiofrequency signals, it does not alert adversary aircraft that they have been detected, nor does it reveal the location of the aircraft using it. Furthermore, unlike radars, IRST systems cannot be disrupted by electronic warfare measures.
With these factors in mind and progressing towards its official deployment, the Naval Air Systems Command recently confirmed that the new IRST Block II pod for the Super Hornet has reached Initial Operational Capability after completing various tests in recent months.
“Reaching IRST IOC is an important milestone in our overarching efforts to deliver advanced integrated warfighting capability to the fleet,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. “IRST provides data for our aircrew to improve reaction time and survivability while remaining unaffected by radio frequency jamming.”
This milestone for the Navy and NAVAIR was achieved after rigorous testing conducted by the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, with support from the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), as well as civilian contractors and personnel from VX-31 and VX-23. However, as highlighted in the latest annual report from the Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), the system continues to suffer from reliability issues during software testing.
According to the 2024 annual report, “IRST Block II demonstrated significant reliability problems during operational testing. Throughout the test period, the system suffered from hardware and software deficiencies, which required the aircrew to restart the pod multiple times. Troubleshooting and repair often exceeded the abilities of Navy maintenance crews and required assistance from Lockheed Martin. Many of these problems were discovered during integrated and operational test after the Navy completed a minimal developmental test program with the representative hardware.”
Despite these difficulties, the report also highlighted the system’s detection capabilities across various ranges, stating that the tests allowed for “… an assessment of the long-range detection and tracking capability, suitability, and cyber survivability.” Additionally, it noted that during testing and evaluation, the new system was employed against “operationally relevant targets” at different distances, providing stable target tracking for air-to-air weapons employment.
While it is expected that these issues will be a focus of further work in the coming months, the U.S. Navy has confirmed that it expects to announce a decision regarding the start of full-rate production of the new ASG-34A(V)1 by the spring of this year, aiming to advance its deployment on the Super Hornets of carrier air wings.
Images used for illustrative purposes: Lockheed Martin / NAVAIR.
