AN/AAS-38

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File:AN AAS 38B.jpg
The Martin-Marietta ASQ-173 LST mounted on an F/A-18C.

The Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-38 Nite Hawk is a high-resolution FLIR, laser designator, and laser tracker pod system for use with laser-guided munitions.[1]Template:R/superscript[2]Template:R/superscript The US Navy used the AAS-38 on the F/A-18C/D Hornet[1]Template:R/superscript and F-14D Tomcat in combination with the AN/AAS-50 navigation FLIR pod for laser-guided munitions delivery.[3]Template:R/superscript

The system provides real-time target data allowing the pilot to locate, identify, track and engage targets.[4]Template:R/superscript It allows the aircraft to perform high-speed low-altitude interdiction and close air support missions at night in visibility conditions reduced by smoke, dust, smog or haze.[4]Template:R/superscript In combination with the AAS-50 and a pair of night vision goggles, the Nite Hawk provides the capability to maintain situational awareness, navigate and avoid terrain, acquire and designate targets, and assess battle damage after deployment of munitions.[4]Template:R/superscript

History

The AAS-38 was initially developed specifically for the F/A-18 Hornet.[4]Template:R/superscript It was designed to provide the attack aircraft with day/night and adverse weather capabilities. The system can locate and acquire a target, automatically tracking it and feeding precise target data to the aircraft mission computer.[4]Template:R/superscript It also provides a video display to the pilot of the aircraft. The system is capable of maintaining the area of interest centered on the display while the aircraft maneuvers.[4]Template:R/superscript

Although full-scale development began in 1978, and the first procurement funding was provided in 1982, the first production deliveries of the AAS-38 in 1984.[4]Template:R/superscript Initial flight tests were completed using T-39 Sabreliner aircraft in 1981.[4]Template:R/superscript Until 1990, Loral was the primary producer of the AAS-38. But in 1990, Hughes Aircraft was awarded a Template:Currency contract to become a second-source component supplier.[4]Template:R/superscript After flight testing of the Hughes systems, Hughes became a second source for the pods and spares.[4]Template:R/superscript In 1996, Loral was acquired by Lockheed Martin.

During a 1998 Persian Gulf convoy protection mission, the AAS-38 was mounted to SH-60B Seahawk LAMPS Mk III equipped helicopters. Flight tests of the AAS-38 Nite Hawk (SC) variant have also been performed on F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft.[4]Template:R/superscript During the Bosnian War, F/A-18 aircraft equipped with the AAS-38 performed well in bombing missions in Operation Deliberate Force, highly praised by squadron commanders.[4]Template:R/superscript

The AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) system produced by Raytheon was expected to replace the AAS-38 in the F/A-18 due to ATFLIR's superior targeting range.[4]Template:R/superscript[3]Template:R/superscript

Variants

AN/AAS-38 was a non-laser designator, FLIR only system.[4]Template:R/superscript

AN/AAS-38A was a laser Target Designator/Ranger (LTD/R). This pod was mounted on the lower left (port) side of the F/A-18.[4]Template:R/superscript[5]Template:R/superscript[6]Template:R/superscript

AN/AAS-38B added laser Spot Tracking capability and air-to-air Infrared Search and Track, eliminating the need for an AN/ASQ-173 pod.[4]Template:R/superscript[4]Template:R/superscript[7]Template:R/superscript

AN/AAS-38 NITE Hawk (SC) added a self cooling (SC) component providing a more generic interface and expanding the systems application to other aircraft.[4]Template:R/superscript

Technical description

In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/AAS-38" designation represents the 38th design of an Army-Navy airborne electronic device for infrared detection/search, range and bearing equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name all Department of Defense electronic systems.

The AAS-38A and AAS-38B pods have a diameter of approximately Script error: No such module "convert". and Script error: No such module "convert". length.[4]Template:R/superscript Each of the versions have different weights with the AAS-38 weighing in at Script error: No such module "convert"., AAS-38A weighing Script error: No such module "convert"., AAS-38B at Script error: No such module "convert". and the NITE Hawk (SC) weighing Script error: No such module "convert"..[4]Template:R/superscript The system consists of 12 weapon replaceable assemblies (WRAs) and makes extensive use of digital technology for optics control, target auto-tracking, avionics communication and built-in test (BIT) functions.

The forward section of the pod contains an optics stabilizer and laser transceiver.[4]Template:R/superscript The combination of stabilizer and transceiver provide look angles between 30° up and 150° below horizontal with a tracking rate of 75° per second.[4]Template:R/superscript The aft section contains the temperature-conditioned FLIR receiver detecting infrared energy and converting it to visible format. That format is then presented to the pilot on an 875-line cathode ray tube (CRT) display in the cockpit.[4]Template:R/superscript Besides the FLIR receiver, the aft section also contains a roll drive motor, temperature control assembly, controller-processor, roll drive power amplifier, high-speed digital servo control for the optics stabilizer, laser power supply and a power supply for the pod.[4]Template:R/superscript The FLIR has the ability to update the navigation system when the aircraft flies over a known location.[4]Template:R/superscript

Specifications

Source: [8]Template:R/superscript

  • Spectral sensitivity: 8—12 μm within Script error: No such module "convert". to Script error: No such module "convert".
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  • Image field: 3° x 3° or 12° x 12°
  • Field of regard: +30° to -165° pitch, and 540° roll
  • Resolution: 875 lines

Users

References

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See Also

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