Everything IRST

This thread is about everything to do with IRST. Pics, discussion and armchair analysis.

Here is a previous thread that talked about the Flanker’s IRST

Also an interesting bit of news from the Lock-Mart website:

F-14 Infrared Search and Track

F-14 IRST

F-14 Infrared Search and Track Main PicThe F-14 AN/AAS-42 IRST (Infrared Search and Track) is a passive long-wave infrared sensor system that searches for and detects heat sources within its field of view. Operating in six discrete modes, the AN/AAS-42 provides the aircraft mission computer track file data on all targets while simultaneously providing infrared imagery to the cockpit display. The AN/AAS-42 gives the aircrew unprecedented on-board situational awareness while significantly enhancing the engagement range of modern high-performance weapons such as the AIM-120 (AMRAAM).

According to the earlier Flanker discussion, the IRST cannot actually guide a Russian radar homer. Here it seems that LockMart is a step ahead. Further it intriguingly states that the AMRAAM’s engagement range is increased with the IRST!

picture also from lockmart website.