Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/1395-raytheon-s-atflir-supporting-combat-operations-from-the-uss-john-f-kennedy

Raytheon’s ATFLIR Supporting Combat Operations from the USS John F. Kennedy

November 14, 2004

Raytheon’s ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod is now deployed with two F/A-18C Hornet squadrons onboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 67). Delivered to the Navy just weeks before deployment, these ATFLIR pods successfully completed numerous missions during July — without missing a single sortie. “Only ATFLIR is designed and purpose-built for reliable performance in worldwide US Navy fleet operations,” said Debbie Yabarra, ATFLIR program director for Raytheon. “ATFLIR has completed hundreds of sorties onboard Navy aircraft carriers since its first fleet deployment in June 2002. Even in the extreme temperatures in the current theater of operations, its world-class electronics can withstand repeated catapult launches and arrested landings on the high seas.” Combat-proven in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, ATFLIR is requested by US combatant commanders for both air-to-ground and air-to-air operations. ATFLIR supports precision strike missions employing laser-guided bombs and GPS-guided munitions during strike and reconnaissance missions involving close air support, suppression of enemy air defense and real time battle damage assessment. ATFLIR is the Department of the Navy’s targeting pod of record. The service plans to purchase up to 574 pods for deployment on every F/A-18 configuration in the fleet. Fully integrated on all models of the F/A-18 Hornet, ATFLIR is approved for international sales. ATFLIR gives naval aviators a three- to five-fold increase in target-recognition range. Its infrared and electro-optical (television format) sensors can detect tactical threats at unprecedented ranges, delivering images with more clarity than those afforded by any other targeting pod now in production. Its powerful diode-pumped laser has been demonstrated effective above 50,000 feet. Because its sensors and laser share a common optical path with continuous auto-boresight alignment, ATFLIR assures pinpoint targeting accuracy that minimizes collateral damage.