Raytheon Advanced Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod

Gerald Uyeno
Raytheon Company, 2000 East El Segundo Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245-0902

ABSTRACT

Raytheon's ANIASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod features state-of-the-art mid-
wave infrared targeting and navigation FURs, an electro-optical sensor, a laser rangefinder and target designator, and a
laser spot tracker. ATFLIR is fully integrated and flight tested on all F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet models, approved for
full-rate production and is forward deployed, supporting U.S. fleet operations worldwide. This paper will present
ATFLIR status and a summary of future plans.

Keywords: Airborne, Infrared, F/A-18, FLIR

1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Raytheon's AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod, shown in Figure 1, is the
U.S. Navy's Targeting Pod Program of Record for the F/A-18. It is fully integrated and tested on all Hornet models A+,
CiD and ElF and is equipped to work with the EA- 1 8G. The first year of ATFLIR full-rate production is complete.
100 systems have been delivered and contract negotiations for a total of 477 systems are complete.

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Figure 1 . Raytheon ATFLIR on F/A- 18

DoD Directive 5230.24 — DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 265SPR-024.06

Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications III,

edited by Daniel J. Henry, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6209, 62090H, (2006)
0277-786X/06/$15 · doi: 10.1117/12.668385

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 ATFLIR combines a mid-wave infrared targeting FUR, an electro-optical (EO) camera, and a laser rangefinder and
target designator into a single pod. Figure 2 shows six examples of ATFLIR EO and JR air-to-ground and air-to-air
imagery. ATFLIR's primary mission is delivery of laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles using the targeting
FUR for the F/A-18. However, ATFLIR's capability has expanded beyond this traditional role to include support of
unguided weapons and Global Positioning System (GPS) weapons, bomb damage assessment and air-to-air target
tracking and recognition. ATFLIR has successfully detected, classified and tracked targets at altitudes and ranges
substantially greater than those of traditional targeting systems. Detection range exceeds 40 nautical miles and the laser
rangefinder and target designator is effective above 50,000 feet. This performance improves survivability because it
enables aircrews to identify and process targets from much greater standoff distances than previous systems.

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Figure 2. ATFLJR EO and JR air-to-ground and air-to-air images

Figure 3 shows more detail of the ATELIR pod. The diameter is 13 inches, the length is 72 inches and total weight is
420 pounds. ATFLIR integrated the functions of three pods into a single pod to free one air-to-air weapon station for
other F/A- 1 8 mission requirements. The system reliability was significantly increased by the two-thirds reduction in the
number of parts required to perform these functions. ATFLIR's design is based on lightweight weapon replaceable
assemblies (WRAs) utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. Maintainability of these WRAs is
significantly improved compared to modules used in other targeting pods. The reliability is further increased by built-in
diagnostics and extensive use of solid state components including the fiber optic gyro. The combination of COTS
technology, high reliability and easy maintenance provides the required performance at an affordable price.

The targeting FUR, EO sensor, laser rangefinder and target designator share a common optical path with continuous
automatic boresight alignment. This design approach minimizes boresight errors between the sensors and laser lines of
sight (LOS) and is key to the ATFLIR's performance improvement over previous systems. This design approach
enabled three pods to be replaced by one and it also significantly streamlines operations because it eliminates the
requirement to co-boresight multiple pods on the aircraft.

The Electro-Optical Sensor Unit (EOSU) contains the third-generation staring medium wavelength targeting FUR and
the EO camera. The focal plane in the targeting FLIR is 640 x 480 pixels InSb operating over the spectral band of 3.7 to
5.0 nm. The pilot may select the field of view during operation. The EO camera operates in the visible spectrum. The
EOSU also contains all of the optical elements that form the common optical path and the Laser Spot Tracker.

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 The Laser and Laser Electronics are integrated into a single WRA. The laser and rangefinder and target designator is a
Q switched diode pumped Nd: YAG laser that operates at two wavelengths: one for weapon delivery and the other for
eye-safe training and ranging. The eye-safe wavelength is generated by an Optical Parametric Oscillator. The output
exits the laser and enters the common optical path through a window in the EOSU.

The Roll Drive Unit provides 360 degrees continuous roll, which enables the F/A-i 8 aircrew to persistently observe
threats regardless of flight maneuvering. This capability also increases the system survivability.

The target tracker acquires and tracks ground and air targets. The tracker and servo controller actuate motors in the
EOSU and the Roll Drive Unit to point the common optical path LOS at the target. The target tracker and servo
controller keep the system pointed at the target for imaging and target designation automatically, without pilot
intervention.

ATFLIR can also track targets designated by ground forces or another aircraft using the Laser Spot Tracker (LST). The
LST is integrated into the EOSU. It senses the laser spots designated by ground forces or another aircraft and provides
information to the ATFLIR tracker and control so that the common optical path LOS can be pointed automatically at the
designated spot.

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Figure 3. Raytheon Advanced Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod

Cooling air is provided to the ATFLIR by the F/A-18. It is distributed within the pod by a series of ducts to the heat-
generating elements in the pod. The Environmental Control Valve (ECV) manages airflow through the pod to maintain
the overall thermal control over the range of operating temperature. Raytheon has also developed and demonstrated an
alternate version of ATFLIR using an ECV that includes an air scoop. This verifies that ATFLIR can be operated on
aircraft that do not have cooling air at the pod mounting location.

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 The Aircraft Pod Adapter is the structural interface to the F/A-18 aircraft. The pod adapter is the only WRA that is
different between an ATFLIR for an F/A- 1 8 A+/C/D and the F/A- 18 ElF Super Hornet. It provides a fixed-forward day
and night view of the area covered by the cockpit's Head Up Display (HUD) for navigation and situational awareness.
The aft section of the pod, from the roll drive unit to the ECV, is mounted to the Aircraft Pod Adapter. The aft door can
be opened to access the Laser and Laser Electronics, Control Processors and Power Supplies.

ATFLIR is completely integrated into the F/A-18 weapon system. It is completely compatible with the F/A-18 mission
computer and has completed comprehensive weapons separation testing and development and operational flight testing.
ATELIR communicates threat coordinates to other onboard sensors. It works seamlessly with the radar, including the
new APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA). It also supports communication with off-board sensors on
both manned and unmanned platforms using the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) for network-
centric operations.

2. HISTORY
Raytheon's experience producing the AAS-38 as a second source, and designing and producing the AAR-50 NAVFLIR
was the basis for ATFLIR. Raytheon mitigated the ATFLIR program's risk prior to contract award by flying a prototype
sensor called Terminator, a third-generation FUR mounted in an AAS-38 pod and installed in the nose of an A-3
aircraft, shown in Figure 4. In 1996, the sensor logged 85 flight hours in 28 flights over a variety of terrain and targets.
Terminator produced images of stunning clarity at unprecedented distances, leaving little doubt of the maturity of the
third-generation FUR and the viability of the key technologies required to recognize targets at extended range.

Figure 4. Terminator test flights mitigated the ATFLIR program risk

Raytheon next developed the EOSU brassboard that combined the third-generation FLIR with the ATFLIR reflective
telescope in an EOSU brassboard. The brassboard was demonstrated at China Lake to the Navy's Fleet Users' Group
and showed recognizable images of tanks and other targets at ranges representative of the Navy's requirements. This
was a major step toward the ATFLIR targeting FUR.

Boeing selected Raytheon as the ATFLIR supplier in November 1997. Raytheon delivered eight units in the summer of
1999. These were used for laboratory tests by Boeing and for flight test by the Navy at China Lake, California; Patuxent
River, Maryland; and Cold Lake, Alberta. In late 2001 , the Navy exercised contract options for two Low-Rate Initial
Production (LRIP) purchases for a total of 49 additional ATFUIRs, which were delivered from 2002 to 2004. Initial
operational capability (IOC) was achieved in 2003 when a squadron of F/A-18F aircraft in the fleet was equipped with
10 ATFUIRs. ATFLIR achieved one of the most successful Operational Evaluations in history in 2003. ATFLIR has
performed successfully since the OPEVAL in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Raytheon was awarded Full-Rate Production Contract (FRP) 1 and 2 by NAVAIR in 2003. FRP3 was awarded and the
negotiations for the final three years of production (FRP4-6) were completed in 2005. FRP1 included 33 pods and was

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 completed in December 2005. 100 total systems have been delivered to date and a total of 477 systems will be delivered
by 2010.

3. CURRENT STATUS
Raytheon continues to evolve the ATFLIR to support current war fighter requirements. Two recent additions are the JR
Marker and the Data Link.

The ATFLIR JR Marker enables the F/A-i 8 Forward Air Controller Airborne (FAC (A)) Mission. The FAC (A) became
a necessity during the Southeast Asian conflict. The FAC (A) maintained constant aerial surveillance over the area of
interest to be "on-the-spot when needed." The FAC (A) called in fighter-bombers when enemy activity required a strafe,
bombing or attack with high explosive rockets. The FAC (A) marked the target with smoke or white phosphorous
rockets upon arrival. After the attack, the FAC (A) flew over the target to verify it had been destroyed.

FAC (A)s perform a similar function today, but use lasers to mark the targets instead of smoke or rockets. These lasers
are visible though night vision goggles. The laser mark provides a common visual reference to the aircrews and ground
forces so that they understand they are all looking at the same target.

Raytheon completed development of an airborne laser marker in 2004. The design is based on a laser marker unit that
integrates the solid state diode laser source, power and communication electronics into a single unit. The JR Marker
Unit prototype is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Prototype ATFLIR IR Marker Unit

Raytheon demonstrated the airborne JR marker in ATFLJR in 2005. The JR marker shares the common optical path and
continuous automatic boresight alignment with the targeting FL, EO sensor and laser rangefinder and target

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 designator. This minimizes alignment errors between the sensors and laser LOS and eliminates the requirement to co-
boresight multiple pods on the aircraft.

The JR Marker unit is mounted to the top of the laser rangefinder and target designator. The JR marker beam is
transmitted through a window and a beam splitter folds it into the ATFLIR common optical path. The prototype laser
rangefinder and target designator without the IR Marker installed is shown in Figure 6.

Raytheon developed plans for flight testing, production cut-in, retrofit of existing unit and support in 2005. The initial
flight testing is complete and Raytheon has been awarded a contract to provide eight ATFLIRs with JR Markers to the
USN.

Figure 6. Prototype ATFLIR LTR for IR Marker

The ATFLIR Data Link enables ground troops to simultaneously see the same image as the pilot. This capability to
provide real-time situational updates to ground troops engaged in combat is know as Nontraditional
Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance or NTJSR. The ATFLIR data link will transmit the video seen in the F/A- 18
cockpit display to ground controllers equipped with specially configured laptop computers over an RF data link. They
can see where the enemy is hiding or what escape route he may be using. The ground commander can also have a real-
time image of how many enemy combatants he's up against or be warned of an explosive device up the road. This
vastly improves the ability to find and engage the enemy and speeds up the process of battle damage assessment. Air
commanders get a much faster read on whether targets have been hit and destroyed or need to be attacked again.

The ATFLIR Data Link is compatible with the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) laptops.

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 ATFLIR includes all of the imaging capability required for the NTISR as shown in Figure 1. ATFLIR video capability
simplifies real-time bomb damage assessment. The automatic tracker keeps the imagers pointed at the target so that
frames in the video can be compared to verify that the target was hit and to assess the damage. Figure 7 illustrates this
capability.

Figure 7. Real-time imaging capability for NTISR

Raytheon initiated development of an airborne Data Link in 2005. Demonstration of the ATFLIR Data Link to the
ROVER III is in progress. An RF transmitter and antenna are being developed for integration into the ATFLIR pod. A
splitter is being inserted into the video feed to the cockpit to provide the signal to the transmitter. Raytheon has been
awarded a contract to provide eight ATFLIRs with Data Link to the USN. These data links will be integrated in the
same pods as the JR markers described above. Plans for flight testing, production cut-in, retrofit of existing unit and
support are being developed.

4. FUTURE PLANS
Raytheon future plans for ATFLIR support the U.S. Navy's Seapower 21 (5P21) plans for the Super Hornet. 5P21
forms the basis for all future war fighting upgrades. It is focused on speed, agility and alignment for mission capability.
The 5P21 Hornet will be networked and interoperable with joint forces through machine-to-machine interfaces. Two
key elements of the future plans for ATFLIR that enable 5P2 1 are Digital Video and Multiple Moving Target Track
capability.

ATFLIR Digital Video enables the ATFLIR to communicate over the high-speed F/A-18 Fiber Channel Network. This
capability for high-speed communication within the Hornet is fundamental for moving the tactical war fighting
information developed by ATFLIR seamlessly on/off the aircraft and across a networked force. The high-speed network
also enables other planned Seapower 21 upgrades. Implementation of Digital Video using the COTS-based WRA
design approach is straightforward. Raytheon trade studies will identify the most cost-effective implementation of
ATFLIR Digital Video for the USN.

ATFLIR Multiple Moving Target Track (MMTT) capability enables the ATFLIR to simultaneously track several
moving targets. The benefits of this capability have been proven by radar. In addition to the stand-alone benefit to
ATFLIR, target track information can be shared between multiple sensors on the F/A- 18 by communication over the
high-speed Fiber Channel Network to provide further enhancements. The current Raytheon APG-79 for the F/A-18 has

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 this capability and provides the basis for software required to implement MMTT. Additional processing required for
MMTT using the COTS-based WRA design is straightforward. Raytheon is developing MMTT for other applications
and this knowledge and experience will be used to develop ATFLIR MMTT for the USN.

5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author would like to thank Dave Goold and Brian Masson of Raytheon for their help in preparing this paper.

6. REFERENCES
1. J. Tirpak, "Eyes of the Fighter," Air Force Magazine, 04 January 2006.
2. C. Pocock, "US Forward Air Controllers — an Incomplete History," NBook.com.
3. Images courtesy of Raytheon.

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