Lockheed Martin IRST Pod Offers Enhanced Detection and Tracking

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) recently tested a Lockheed Martin LEGION sensor pod on an AVENGER remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA), the company announced on 15 January.

Demonstrating enhanced autonomous sensing capabilities for the RPA, the LEGION pod was integrated in less than three months, from conception to flight test. The 90min ‘captive-carry’ test verified mechanical interfaces and aerodynamic safety of flight.

“Our flight demonstration revealed the quick reaction capabilities of the AVENGER RPA,” commented GA-ASI VP of Strategic Development, J R Reid. “From software and hardware architecture implementation to sensor integration, the AVENGER is a great platform for delivering critical capabilities.”

The LEGION pod’s infrared search and track (IRST) system provides passive, high-fidelity detection and tracking of air-to-air targets in radar-denied environments. Additional follow-on flights are planned for 2021.