Netherlands Firm Teams With Northrop Grumman-Lockheed Martin for Joint Strike Fighter Program
Under terms of the teaming agreement signed between the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research's (TNO) Physics and Electronics Laboratory and Northrop Grumman ES3, the two firms will collaborate on the development of advanced digital signal conditioning algorithms for the distributed aperture infrared (IR) sensor (DAIRS) system.
DAIRS consists of multiple IR cameras providing 360° spherical coverage for a pilot's situational awareness. Additional functions performed by the system include navigation, missile warning, and infrared search and track.
It is being developed by Northrop Grumman ES3 and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control of Orlando, FL, a merchant supplier team vying to provide electro-optical systems for the two competing JSF aircraft prime contractors.
Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are equal partners in developing the electro-optical sensor suite for the JSF aircraft. Northrop Grumman has the lead for the DAIRS sensor and Lockheed Martin has the lead for the electro-optical targeting system.
The Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs recently funded TNO to develop and demonstrate new, advanced digital signal conditioning algorithms for the JSF DAIRS program. The objectives of this technology demonstration are to provide adaptive, real-time, scene-based non-uniformity correction; resolution enhancement; and sensitivity enhancement.
TNO is an independent contract research organization that conducts research for government and industry.
Edited by Kristin Lewotsky