F/A -18 Infrared Search and Track (IRST)

The F/A-18 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604014N, is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on enhancing the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's ability to detect, track, and engage airborne targets in environments where traditional radar systems may be degraded or denied. The primary objective of this line item is to develop, test, and field the AN/ASG-34A(V)1 IRST Block II system, which provides a passive, out-of-band fire control capability critical for modern air combat against peer adversaries. The IRST system supports the National Defense Strategy by enabling the F/A-18E/F to operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments, increasing survivability and lethality.

The IRST Block II is the central focus of current development efforts. Its goals include the redesign and improvement of the Infrared Receiver (IRR) and processor to achieve full Capabilities Development Document (CDD) requirements over a larger field of regard. This upgrade aims to deliver longer-range passive detection and tracking, thus improving engagement timelines and situational awareness for F/A-18E/F crews. The Block II system is designed to function autonomously or in concert with other onboard sensors, supporting the guidance of advanced beyond-visual-range missiles.

A key objective of the program is to address hardware obsolescence and production sustainability. The budget supports the development and testing of a redesigned Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC), as the current vendor can no longer sustain production of the existing design. The new ROIC configuration is expected to be more reliable and cost-effective, reducing reliance on higher-cost materials and mitigating future supply chain risks.

These hardware and software improvements are essential for maintaining the IRST system's operational effectiveness and affordability over its lifecycle. The RDT&E efforts under this line item include continued flight testing, verification of corrections for deficiencies identified during operational testing, and follow-on development for capability enhancements. The program also funds engineering and logistics analyses to implement necessary redesigns and changes, ensuring the system meets evolving operational requirements.

Test and evaluation activities are conducted at multiple Navy facilities, including NAWCWD China Lake, NAWCAD Patuxent River, and OPTEVFOR at Point Mugu, with Boeing serving as the primary development contractor. The acquisition strategy for IRST Block II employs an incremental approach, allowing for development and integration to proceed concurrently with some production activities. This strategy was adopted due to the urgency of the capability and the maturity of the underlying technology.

Despite some delays in hardware production and qualification testing, the program remains on track to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in the first quarter of FY2025 and Full Rate Production Decision Review (FRPDR) in the third quarter of FY2025. The incremental development approach has provided valuable data to support design stability and manufacturing readiness. Funding for this program element is scheduled to decrease in FY2026 as development activities transition to sustainment and production under a different budget line (PE 0204136N, BLI 0515), reflecting the program's maturation and readiness for full-rate production.

The transition marks the culmination of the primary RDT&E phase, with the focus shifting to supporting fleet integration and long-term sustainment of the IRST capability within the F/A-18E/F community. The program's objectives include hardware and software modernization, rigorous testing and evaluation, and a transition to sustainable production and fleet support, ensuring the Super Hornet remains effective against evolving air threats.