It was recently revealed that the Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based fighter-bombers has encountered serious reliability issues. According to the Pentagon, the system demonstrated “significant reliability issues” during operational testing. The ASG-34A(V)1 IRST Block II module, a key component designed to ensure U.S. naval aviation’s superiority over potential adversaries, failed to live up to expectations.
The system testing was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. The report highlights that the test results were impacted by IRST failures that occurred during testing. Experts continue to analyze the data to identify the causes and develop solutions to improve the reliability of the system.
The IRST system is equipped with the IRST21 long-wave infrared sensor developed by Lockheed Martin. This sensor is designed to passively search, detect and track targets, allowing the aircraft to remain undetected by the enemy, since the system does not emit signals that could give away its location.
However, reliability issues are nothing new for the system. Delays in IRST production and testing have previously been reported, causing schedule delays and increased costs. In 2023, TWZ noted that production issues and testing delays meant the US Navy was still waiting for its much-needed infrared search and track systems.
The introduction of IRST on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is seen as a critical step in maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. naval aviation. Passive infrared systems allow for the detection and tracking of targets without the use of radar emissions, which is especially important in the context of modern electronic countermeasures and when the enemy has stealth technologies.
Despite the current challenges, the Navy continues to work to improve the system. The F/A-18E/F Block III upgrade is planned to integrate an improved IRST system, as well as other upgrades such as conformal fuel tanks for increased range, improved communications capabilities, and advanced cockpit avionics.