Lockheed Martin Tests F-35 Targeting System

Lockheed Martin said its Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for the F-35 Lightning II successfully completed its inaugural flight test, demonstrating its capability as a multi-functional system for precision air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting. The flight test began the first phase of a three-phase flight test program. EOTS eventually will fly aboard the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed aircraft, joined by the complete F-35 sensor suite during the second quarter of 2008. EOTS provides high-resolution imagery, automatic tracking, infrared-search-and-track, laser designation and rangefinding and laser spot tracking at increased standoff ranges. Lockheed Martin said the flight test met all objectives, including demonstration of the Infrared Search and Track system data collection and Forward Looking Infrared point and scene track. Subsequent flights will test the laser, proving EOTS' functionality in a stand-alone environment. "This first flight is a significant step toward ensuring the technical maturity of this infrared targeting system prior to final-stage integration on the CATB," said Rich Hinkle, program director, Joint Strike Fighter EOTS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. For related news