Lockheed Martin, a global security company has carried out the first voyage of the F-35 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) on the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird). The EOTS development on the CATBird is the ultimate move preceding the integration of F-35 which is the initial mission systems furnished test aircraft on the BF-4.
According to Rich Hinkle, program director, F-35 EOTS, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, the CATBird's active background supported the test and assessment of the EOTS’ fusion with the sensor construction of the F-35. He also added that the EOTS is organized for occupying the CATBird platform after three years of scrupulous investigation on the Sabreliner aircraft
The CAT Bird is a reformed 737 aircraft with an actual F-35 aircraft compartment and test places to execute the real-time evaluation of the mission systems. The CATBird can integrate the sensor information and simulates the fused sensor construction of the F-35 in providing high quality, shared sensor data set against the traditional sensor constructions. The EOTS worked in a combined mode during the recent software system Block 1.0 test and garnered navigation data from the aircraft for synchronization of the sensor.
The low drag F-35 EOTS fostered by the Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod success contributes automatic tracking of the target, infrared searching and tracking, laser designation, range finding, high-resolution imaging and laser spot tracking,. The standard elements keep the F-35 EOTS on the airfield for the actual maintenance in two levels.
Source: http://www.lockheedmartin.com