Raytheon to improve resolution of UAV electro-optical sensor payload in Air Force contract

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 5 Jan. 2011. Military electro-optics experts at the Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems in McKinney, Texas, are seeking to improve the resolution of the Multi-Spectral Targeting System-B (MTS-B) sensor pod for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft under terms of a $25.8 million contract awarded Tuesday from the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The contract calls for Raytheon to continue making improvements to the MTS-B UAV sensor — particularly to improve the system imaging from standard definition to high definition.

The MTS-B provides electro-optical, infrared, laser designation, and laser illumination in one airborne sensor package for versions of the Air Force Predator B UAV, Gray Eagle UAV, and similar variants. The MTS-B’ advanced digital architecture provides detecting, ranging, and tracking, as well as long-range surveillance, high-altitude target acquisition, tracking, rangefinding, and laser designation for the Hellfire missile and for all tri-service and NATO laser-guided munitions, Raytheon officials say.

Raytheon designers also are investigating image fusion and other performance enhancements for the MTS-B, company officials say. Raytheon will do the contract work in McKinney, Texas, and should be finished by early 2013.