Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors

Harnessing light to give warfighters a 24/7 view of the battlespace and unprecedented precision.

Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors

From Surface to Space

From surface to space, Northrop Grumman's electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors harness the power of light to give warfighters a 24/7 view of the battlespace and the ability to deliver effects with unprecedented precision.

Northrop Grumman's passive imaging sensors use the visible and infrared spectral bands to provide spherical situational awareness, long-range precision targeting and protection from infrared-guided missiles – all without emitting detectable energy.

Airborne EO/IR Systems

In the air, Northrop Grumman's passive imaging sensors use the visible and infrared spectral bands to provide spherical situational awareness, long-range precision targeting and protection from infrared-guided missiles – all without emitting detectable energy. Systems include the LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod, F-35 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System and Infrared Countermeasure Systems. LITENING leverages Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS™ Nd:YAG slabs in LITENING’s Air Space Polarizer assemblies in its laser designator, providing precision targeting.

F-35 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System

F-35 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System

The F-35 is a stealthy, supersonic, multirole fighter empowering next generation warriors.

Infrared Countermeasures

Infrared Countermeasures

Our DIRCM systems protect large and small fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor platforms.

Common Infrared Countermeasures

Common Infrared Countermeasures

Our CIRCM solution is a lightweight, highly reliable infrared countermeasure system.

LITENING

LITENING

Targeting and surveillance that enables aircrews to detect, acquire, auto-track and identify targets.

Widening the Aperture on EO/IR Targeting

LITENING’s modular design allows for upgrades over time, to keep pace with evolving mission needs. Explore the pod below to learn more about Northrop Grumman's technology and solutions.

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Environmental Control Unit
Integrated environmental control keeps things cool throughout the mission
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Designed for Growth
Modular design simplifies maintenance and technology upgrades
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Ease of Integration
Can be carried on standard weapon stations, requiring no aircraft modifications
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High Availability
Advanced image processor and secure, two-way data links are housed in line replaceable units for high mission availability
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Continuous Imaging
Continuous roll allows for uninterrupted imaging during maneuvers
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Multi-Spectral Imaging
Larger color daylight, mid-wave IR, short-wave IR and long-wave IR sensors provide superior imaging for multiple missions
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LITENING
The LITENING advanced targeting pod offers high-resolution, digital color video and infrared sensors, datalink capability and advanced algorithms to detect, identify and engage targets from long ranges.

Land EO/IR Systems

Northrop Grumman’s EO/IR suite of products use advanced capabilities to provide a distinct warfighter advantage in deploying precision-guided munitions. Our systems are battle-tested and interconnect within the digitized battlefield to provide an overmatch sensor capability for a variety of missions. Interconnectivity within the digitized battlefield enables operators to acquire, locate and designate high-value targets.

NGHTS

Next Generation Handheld Targeting System performs rapid target acquisition, laser terminal guidance operation and laser spot imaging functions.

Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder

LLDR provides a unique capability to Forward Observers, Forward Air Controllers and Naval Gunfire Spot Teams.

Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder

Space EO/IR Systems

Northrop Grumman's deep mission expertise gives us a unique perspective to know what it takes to protect the warfighter and preserve freedom, both in space and from space. Our leading-edge technologies and agile practices lead to pioneering breakthroughs that enable our customers to carry out their vital missions to preserve freedom on the ground and in orbit.

Designed to keep pace as the threat evolves

When a mission is as critical as missile warning and defense, experience and data-driven solutions are essential to high confidence mission performance.

Designed to keep pace as the threat evolves

Read More About our Innovative Advancements

Northrop Grumman Selected by US Army to Enhance Aircraft Survivability

Northrop Grumman Selected by US Army to Enhance Aircraft Survivability

Pioneering CIRCM Technology Ensures Mission Safety for the US Army

Pioneering CIRCM Technology Ensures Mission Safety for the US Army

LITENING Targeting Pod Fleet Upgrading to Large Aperture by US Air Force

LITENING Targeting Pod Fleet Upgrading to Large Aperture by US Air Force

In the News

F-16s With Larger Laser-Guided Rocket Loads, Drone Kill Marking Emerge Over Middle East (TWZ)

F-16s With Larger Laser-Guided Rocket Loads, Drone Kill Marking Emerge Over Middle East (TWZ)

Northrop Grumman Modernizes LITENING Secure Data Links for US Marine Corps Aircraft

Northrop Grumman Modernizes LITENING Secure Data Links for US Marine Corps Aircraft

Northrop Grumman’s LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod Completes Initial US Navy F/A-18 Flight Testing

Northrop Grumman’s LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod Completes Initial US Navy F/A-18 Flight Testing

Northrop Grumman’s Mission Solutions Aim To Keep Fourth-Generation Aircraft Lethal And Survivable (The War Zone Wire)

Northrop Grumman’s Mission Solutions Aim To Keep Fourth-Generation Aircraft Lethal And Survivable (The War Zone Wire)