Murrieta, CA--II-VI Incorporated subsidiary LightWorks Optical Systems, provider of optical assemblies, objectives, optics, thin-film coatings, and optical materials, was awarded a second contract from Lockheed Martin for the production of specialized Infrared Focus Assemblies integral to the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor system for the F-15 fighter jet. The contract includes an option to add up to 80 more optical assemblies through 2013.
This second Infrared Focus Assembly (IFA) award represents more than $15 million, and together with a series of other related contract awards, totals over $42 million in booked commitments associated with a U.S. Foreign Military Sales Contract. LightWorks Optical Systems has a long history with Lockheed Martin as a preferred supplier of advanced optical systems and assemblies, and has been building optics for the F-15 IRST IFA and external window, or dome assembly, since 2002.
"We are very pleased to again be working with Lockheed Martin on this significant foreign military sales contract," said LightWorks Optical System's general manager, Andrew Riser. "We have added new skilled personnel to accommodate the aggressive production schedule, with new additions anticipated over the next couple of years. Especially gratifying is our collaboration with Lockheed Martin to re-qualify an improved ultra-durable coating for the domes that will extend the life-cycle of the IRST optics."
Lockheed Martin's IRST system is used on military aircraft to detect and track enemy objects that emit infrared radiation, such as jet aircraft and helicopters, without exposing themselves to detection. IRST can also be used as an alternative to radar-based search and track functions, when external radar is being used to vector them onto a target.
Deliveries of the IRST optical assemblies associated with this contract began in late 2012 and are expected to extend into early 2017. IRST is a trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
SOURCE: LightWorks Optical Systems; http://lwos.com/files/9613/8145/0615/LWOS_Receives_Contract_from_Lockheed_Martin_for_F-15_IFA_Assembly_Production.pdf