Raytheon Bids Terminator ATP for USAF Targeting Pod Requirement

US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets will receive a new and advanced multi-sensor targeting pod from June 2002, following a low-rate initial production contract received by Raytheon Electronic Systems in March, for its third-generation Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infra-Red (ATFLIR). With 88% ATFLIR commonality, Raytheon's Terminator Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) system is now competing with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for a similar USAF requirement.

This calls for availability of fully developed systems, for which Terminator ATP's common ATFLIR electro-optical system qualifies from over 250 sorties on F/A-18s, plus others with F-15Es and F-16s. Jim Neu, Raytheon senior director and general manager Airborne EO Systems, told Show News at that demonstrated performance includes high-resolution IR images from 20,000 feet-above lethal medium-range air defenses-using a large staring focal plane array, which can be integrated with on-board synthetic aperture radar.

Demonstrated reliability in flight tests has exceeded USAF requirements. Reliability development growth testing is also under way, and is exceeding predictions. A USAF decision on its new targeting program is expected within the next few months, for initial procurement of 168 pods.