Infrared search and track

"IRST" redirects here. For the time zone in Iran, see Iran Standard Time.

An Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system (sometimes called infrared sighting and tracking) detects and tracks objects that emit infrared radiation, such as the infrared signatures of jet aircraft and helicopters. Some naval surface vessels, such as the Istanbul-class frigate, are also equipped with IRST.

A generalized case of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, IRST systems provide all-around situation awareness. Their thermographic cameras are passive: unlike radar, they do not emit radiation and therefore do not add to an aircraft's emissions signature. Within range, an IRST's angular resolution is better than radar because infrared has a shorter wavelength than radar emissions. But an IRST's range is less than radar because infrared emissions are attenuated by the atmosphere and by poor weather (although less so than visible light).

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.