IRST21 is the next generation of Lockheed Martin’s legacy IRST sensor system, which accumulated over 300,000 flight hours on F-14 and international F-15 platforms. As a passive, long-range sensor system, IRST21 uses infrared search and track technology to detect and track airborne threats with weapon-quality accuracy, increasing pilot reaction time and improving survivability.
A compact design enables IRST21 to be integrated in a variety of ways. On the F/A-18E/F, IRST21 is mounted on the nose section of the centerline fuel tank. A podded sensor system with IRST21 is also in development and will be transportable across a wide range of platforms including the F-15C and F-16.
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-01.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
IRST21 detects over long distances and operates in environments where radar isn't an option. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-02.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
IRST21 can be mounted in a variety of ways, including the nose section of the F/A-18E/F's centerline fuel tank. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-03.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
Lockheed Martin plans to provide 170 IRST21 systems to the U.S. Navy. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-04.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
IRST21, pictured on the F/A-18F, is a passive, long-wave infrared sensor systems that searches for and detects heat sources within its large field-of-regard, enabling long-range detection and track of enemy targets under normal and electronic attack environments. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-05.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
IRST21, shown on the F/A-18E/F, provides autonomous, accurate tracking data that increases pilot reaction time and improves stability. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)
![IRST21](/content/dam/lockheed-martin/mfc/photo/irst21/rotator/mfc-irst21-rotate-06.jpg.pc-adaptive.full.medium.jpg)
IRST21 is the next generation of Lockheed Martin's legacy IRST sensor system, which accumulated more than 300,000 flight hours on F-14 (pictured) and international F-15 platforms. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy)