Lockheed Designs Advanced Electro-optical Targeting System

Lockheed Martin has designed an advanced electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) to replace the F-35's current EOTS.

The newly introduced advanced EOTS is available for the F-35's Block 4 development, the company announced Thursday.

Advanced EOTS incorporates a wide range of enhancements and upgrades, including short-wave infrared, high-definition television, an infrared marker and improved image detector resolution.

These enhancements increase F-35 pilots' recognition and detection ranges, enabling greater overall targeting performance.

"In today's environment, threats to our warfighters continue to evolve," said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"With significant capability and performance enhancements, Advanced EOTS ensures that F-35 pilots can stay ahead of these threats, detecting targets faster and at greater distances while remaining unseen." Lemmo added.

Due to its similarity in shape and size to EOTS, Advanced EOTS can be installed with minimal changes to the F-35's interface. Moreover, it will be housed behind the same low-drag window, maintaining the F-35's stealthy profile. Advanced EOTS production will be completed on the current EOTS line.

Advanced EOTS and EOTS are the first sensors to combine forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to provide precise air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capability.

Advanced EOTS was developed jointly through significant Lockheed Martin and supplier investment, with team members drawing on proven experience in electro-optical sensor design and manufacturing.