NEXT-GEN TARGETING SYSTEM

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $90 million first-lot production contract for the next-generation Multi-Spectral Targeting System.

The AN/DAS-4, the latest variant of the MTS family of sensors, incorporates greater fire control and Target Location Accuracy technology for precise coordinates.

Combat-proven, with nearly three million operational flight hours, MTS sensors provide detailed intelligence data from the visual and infrared spectra.

The new MTS variant allows mission commanders to use high definition data from an airborne tactical sensor to identify and engage targets with much greater accuracy, significantly improving overall mission effectiveness.

The DAS-4 incorporates other major improvements including: four high definition cameras covering five spectral bands; a three-color diode pump laser designator/rangefinder; laser spot search and track capability; automated sensor and laser bore sight alignment; three mode target tracker; and built-in provisions for future growth.

“These next generation capabilities give our warfighters an unfair advantage through more effective assessment of threats and engagement of targets,” said Fred Darlington, vice president of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems at Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems.

Raytheon has delivered more than 3000 MTS systems on a wide range of platforms, including remotely piloted aircraft, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Raytheon says MTS delivers superior performance and reliability at the lowest life-cycle cost.