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By Garrett Reim 2019-08-19T18:30:05+01:00
The US Navy (USN) is soliciting options to improve or replace the electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting pods on its Boeing F/A-18E /F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.
The move comes amid concern about the current hardware's readiness state and sustainment cost.
The service is looking at systems currently fielded on US tactical strike or fighter aircraft to improve or replace the existing Raytheon-made Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod inventory, it says in a request for information posted online. Potential bidders must have an active production line, or the ability to establish one with limited startup costs, and capacity to support production of 250 pods between fiscal years 2022 and FY2029, says the USN.
“The government does not presently intend to award a contract, but wants to obtain technical capabilities, system sustainment and supportability philosophies, pricing, schedule and other market information for planning purposes,” says Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in its post. “Information provided via this request will be used to evaluate and assess the feasibility, complexity and affordability of a replacement EO/IR targeting pod to support an initial fielding of (calendar year) 2023.”
A US Marine examines Raytheon ATFLIR pod
The USN wants a pod that will last until the end of the F/A-18E/F’s projected service life, which it figures is 2045. The service says each pod will likely be used an average of 660h annually.
The service does not say specifically what is expected to degrade the readiness of the ATFLIR pods or what could cause the system’s sustainment costs to increase.
The ATFLIR’s sensors identify and track ground or air targets, and can guide weapons in light or dark conditions. Raytheon says the system can locate and designate targets at ranges exceeding 40nm (74km) and at altitudes above 50,000ft.
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The US Air Force is now using its most-advanced fifth generation fighter to go head-to-head against pilots in training scenarios modeling China’s jets and tactics.
Norway has terminated its contract with NH Industries (NHI) and will return the 13 NH90 helicopters so far delivered, and is also demanding a full refund of the NKr5 billion ($500 million) it has spent on their acquisition.
Boeing has been awarded a nearly $40 million contract by the US Navy to supply several dozen anti-surface warfare sensor systems for American and Australian aircraft.
Embraer sees the potential to eventually resume development of a hybrid-electric short take-off aircraft despite the project stalling due to Brazilian government funding issues.
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