Lockheed Martin's INFIRNO sensor makes first Black Hawk flight

Lockheed Martin's INFIRNO sensor system recently completed its maiden flight on an H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the company announced.

The company-funded test validated INFIRNO's ability to detect, identify and track targets from airborne platforms, Lockheed said in a statement.

Integrated into the nose of the Black Hawk, the sensor met test objectives that verified line-of-sight stability and image quality over more than eight flight test hours.

INFIRNO's 15-inch turret features high-definition, mid-wave infrared and color sensors, advanced image processing, multi-mode tracker, laser designator/range finder and geo-location capabilities.

The sensor enables users to deploy laser-guided munitions and to conduct long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

INFIRNO can also be integrated on to ground and maritime platforms.

The system's modular components can be maintained or upgraded without removing the entire turret from the aircraft, a design Lockheed said reduces the need to replace entire systems and lowers the overall life cycle cost.