L3Harris Technologies has conducted a successful flight test of its new Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, marking a step forward in passive electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing technology for military applications.
Unlike radar, which emits radio waves that can reveal a platform’s position, the IRST system detects and tracks targets through infrared radiation, light, and heat signatures without emitting signals. The system converts this data into real-time imagery, allowing aircraft to maintain situational awareness while remaining undetected.
“Radar systems are like shining a flashlight in a dark room,” said George Reaves, Director of Engineering at L3Harris. “You can see everything. But now everyone can see you, too.”
Reaves added, “With IRST, now you can see clearly and operate freely in the dark. Breakthroughs in passive remote sensing like IRST serve as a great example of how L3Harris keeps our customers safe and undetected in combat operations.”
The IRST system integrates several passive sensors, including long-wave and mid-wave infrared sensors and micro-bolometers, to detect heat and optical emissions under a wide range of environmental conditions. During testing, engineers used an AgilePod mounted on a host aircraft equipped with a real-time image processor.
The system identified and tracked two commercial aircraft within its field of view, successfully processing various signal inputs and demonstrating resistance to false alarms or misidentification.
“Think of it as having multiple pairs of eyes, each finely tuned to different wavelengths,” Reaves explained.
L3Harris emphasized that the successful flight marked a milestone in the development of passive sensing systems, an area gaining importance in modern electronic warfare. Following initial tests, additional flights are planned to refine algorithms, validate performance in operational environments, and ensure the system meets defense requirements.
“We’re not just building targeting systems,” Reaves said. “We’re building the future of defense, one silent step at a time.”
