Best Upgrade F-22 Raptor Optoelectronic System Technology

 The USAF is considering equipping the F-22 Raptor fighter with an IRST (Infrared Search & Track) optoelectronic system to observe and track targets in infrared.

In addition, the US Air Force is also in the industry with potential solutions for cyberattack detection and prevention, predictive maintenance, sensor fusion, advanced radar detection, use of alternative GPS navigation, use of Scorpion helmet displays, or operation. I complained. With an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Recall that this is an active system, since the radar uses reflected waves to detect targets and guide weapons. Also note that modern aircraft have sensors that can detect these waves and in some cases determine the exact or approximate source. For years, there has been competition between radar manufacturers who want their radiation to be as close to the background as possible, and protection systems that detect this radiation.

On the other hand, the optoelectronic system of the IRST system is completely passive and uses infrared light to detect and track airborne targets. Here, the system only detects a thermal image of the target, just like a traditional infrared camera, but at a much greater distance.

Especially when flying at supersonic speed, the outer panel of the aircraft will have a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius or higher, and the environment at a distance of 10 km or more will be -50 to 60 degrees Celsius.

There are currently rumors in the industry that modern IKST systems, such as the Selex-ES Skyward-G, operating in two operating ranges of 3–5 m and 8–12 m, detect a head-on target at a distance of about 90 m. You can do this . m. More than 1 km or 100 km behind (jet engines generate more heat than air friction and heat the skin). Thus, even those made using stealth technology can be detected.

However, the disadvantage of this solution is its sensitivity to weather conditions in the form of rain, fog or clouds, which limit its range. On the other hand, at altitudes from 12 to 15 km this phenomenon disappears.

The IRST system is popular on Russian fighters such as the MiG-29 and Su-27, but the range of the system is about 20 km, but the new Su-30 or Su-57 is better. In addition, the IRST system has become an integral part of new European designs such as the Rafale in France, the Eurofighter and the latest SAAB JAS39 Gripen E/F in Sweden. Of the American vehicles, only the F-35 currently has this type of system in the form of an electro-optical guidance system (EOTS).

For other vehicles, an additional legion bunker with the IRST21 system will suffice. However, for the F-22 Raptor, the addition of a receiver reduced its detection capability, so another solution was found. It is possible to install the system inside, but this will require expensive intervention in the design of the airframe.