Boeing Wins Follow-on ATFLIR Contract

ST. LOUIS, June 6 -- Boeing has received a follow-on contract from the US Navy for the second low-rate initial production, or LRIP-2, of advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) systems and spares. This contract, worth $95 million, will include production of 24 ATFLIR pods for the F/A-18E/F and four ATFLIR pods and two pod adapters for the F/A-18C/D.

The ATFLIR replaces an existing electro-optic sensor suite, combining separate navigation FLIR and targeting FLIR pods into one pod, freeing up one weapon station. The ATFLIR also includes a visible light camera or electro-optic sensor. The third-generation FLIR will provide the capability to detect, classify and track both air-to-air and air-to-surface targets. It supports the autonomous delivery of existing laser-guided weapons and emerging standoff weapons. The ATFLIR is in continuing development to deliver the capability to launch with both navigational FLIR and laser spot-tracking, which is unavailable with current hardware.