Military Knowledge: Raytheon Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems

Introduction to Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems (MTS):

Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) are advanced sensors that operate by receiving and processing data across several electromagnetic spectrum bands. At the heart of these systems is the fusion of electro-optical (EO) technology in the visible and infrared (IR) ranges. This technology gained prominence with the expansion of long-range reconnaissance UAV usage, allowing military drones to take on roles traditionally reserved for manned reconnaissance aircraft.

Unlike conventional imaging systems that are limited to a single spectral range, MTS combines images from multiple bands—including Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR: 8–12 µm), Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR: 3–5 µm), Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR: 1–2.5 µm), and Near-Infrared (NIR: 0.7–1 µm)—making it effective not only in daylight and nighttime but also in challenging weather conditions like dust, smoke, and fog.

Raytheon, now part of the RTX group, has secured a significant portion of the market for this technology by leveraging extensive operational experience and close collaboration with the U.S. armed forces. The MTS system family is one of Raytheon’s most distinguished achievements, developed in 44 different versions for use on 21 different platforms.

In the following, the flagship models will be introduced in more detail.

MTS-A: Foundational Multi-Spectral Targeting System (AN/AAS-52 and AN/AAS-44C)

The MTS-A model, known by designations AN/AAS-52 (used by the U.S. Air Force) and AN/AAS-44C(V) (used by the U.S. Navy), is considered one of the earliest members of Raytheon’s Multi-Spectral Targeting System family. This system integrates core electro-optical (EO) capabilities in the visible and infrared (IR) spectrum with laser range-finding, laser designation, and laser illumination functions.

These features enable long-range surveillance and reconnaissance, target detection and identification, tracking of moving targets, precise distance measurement to targets, and most importantly, accurate laser designation for guiding various laser-guided munitions such as the AGM-114 Hellfire missile and other precision-guided weapons.

Operational History of MTS-A

MTS-A entered operational service in the late 1990s, with the AN/AAS-52 deployed on MQ-1 Predator UAVs by the U.S. Air Force during covert operations in Kosovo, and later in Afghanistan following the events of September 11. At the time, the U.S. Air Force was heavily focused on arming Predator drones with Hellfire missiles, and the MTS-A system played a pivotal role in enabling that capability.

Beyond the Air Force, the U.S. Navy adopted MTS-A with the designation AN/AAS-44V on SH-60B and HH-60H helicopters, and the AN/AAS-44C variant on MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters.

Raytheon also declared that the MTS-A system is suitable for installation on fixed-wing aircraft.

Special Operations Variant: AN-ZSQ-2

The MH-47 and MH-60M helicopters used by the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) are equipped with an evolved sensor variant based on MTS-A and MTS-B, designated AN-ZSQ-2, which is mounted on the aircraft’s nose.

Technical Specifications of MTS-A:

• Payload Weight:
  • Sensor Module: approx. 59 kg
  • Control & Processing Unit: 11.3 kg
• Dimensions:
  • Sensor Module Diameter: 45.7 cm
  • Control & Processing Unit: 36.6 × 12.4 × 19.3 cm
• Field of View (FOV):
  • Wide: 34 × 45° – battlefield overview
  • Semi-wide: 17 × 22° – focused regional scans
  • Medium: 5.7 × 7.6° – balance between scope and detail
  • Semi-narrow: 2.8 × 3.7° – targets at mid-range
  • Narrow: 1.2 × 1.6° – for tracking moving targets
  • Ultra-narrow IR: 0.6 × 0.8° – precise night targeting
  • Ultra-narrow TV: 0.21 × 0.27° – high-resolution daytime imagery
• Stabilization: 6-axis gimbal mount

AN/AAS-53 Common Sensor Payload (CSP)

In November 2007, the United States Army selected Raytheon to provide the Common Sensor Payload (CSP) for use on a variety of manned and unmanned aircraft. The sensor is based on technologies used in the MTS-A system. The AN/AAS-53 CSP was initially intended for installation on the ARH-70A armed reconnaissance helicopter (which was later canceled) and for installation on the MQ-1C Grey Eagle multirole unmanned aerial vehicle.

MTS-B: Advanced System for High-Altitude, Long-Range Surveillance (AN/DAS-1)

The MTS-B system, designated AN/DAS-1, is an evolved version of the earlier MTS-A model, optimized specifically for high-altitude operational environments. It’s larger in size and tailored for long-endurance, high-flying platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) UAV.

Read more: Military Knowledge: MQ-9 Reaper Drone

Capabilities and Applications

MTS-B is a multi-functional system that incorporates electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors along with laser detection, range-finding, and target tracking technologies. This system is capable of performing:

• Long-range surveillance missions
• Precision target acquisition
• Continuous tracking of moving targets
• Laser designation for air-to-ground munitions

Besides the MQ-9 Reaper, the MTS-B system is also used on U.S. Navy’s MQ-4C Triton UAVs.

Technical Specifications of MTS-B:

• Payload Weight:
  • Sensor Module: 104 kg
  • Control & Processing Unit: 11.3 kg
• Dimensions:
  • Sensor Module Diameter: 56 cm
  • Processing Unit: 36.6 × 12.4 × 19.3 cm
• Field of View (FOV):
  • Wide: 34 × 45° – broad coverage for reconnaissance missions
  • Semi-wide: 17 × 22° – moderate area focus
  • Medium: 5.7 × 7.6° – balance between clarity and scope
  • Semi-narrow: 2.8 × 3.7° – mid-range target focus
  • Narrow: 0.47 × 0.63° – effective for target tracking
  • Ultra-narrow IR: 0.23 × 0.31° – sharp night-time imaging
  • Ultra-narrow TV: 0.08 × 0.11° – extremely high resolution
• Digital Zoom: 2× and 4× magnification
• Motion Range:
  • Azimuth (horizontal): 360° continuous rotation
  • Elevation (vertical): from +40° to –135°
• Rotation Speed: Up to 2 radians/second in elevation axis
• Auto-tracker Modes: Three types: centroid, regional, and selective
• Data & Control Interface: MIL-STD-1553 data bus
• Video Output Formats: RS-170 (525 lines), digital, and other formats
• Power Requirement: 28V DC from aircraft supply

MTS-D: Next-Generation Multi-Spectral Targeting System (AN/DAS-4)

The AN/DAS-4, also known as MTS-D, is the latest and most sophisticated evolution in Raytheon’s family of multi-spectral targeting systems. This new generation was developed in 2016 under a $90 million contract with the U.S. Air Force, featuring significant upgrades—especially in fire control and target location accuracy. The system is deployed on platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper UAV and the MQ-4C Triton long-range maritime surveillance UAV used by the U.S. Navy.

Core Advancements and Capabilities

At the heart of MTS-D lies an advanced suite of electro-optical sensors that includes four high-resolution cameras capable of capturing imagery across five distinct spectral bands. This multi-spectral imaging capability allows for the breakdown of visuals into varying optical wavelengths, enabling the extraction of fine details and intelligence not discernible to the naked eye or single-band systems.

Aboard the MQ-9 Reaper equipped with the AN/DAS-4, these capabilities enhance both situational awareness and precision engagement.

Laser Targeting and Tracking Enhancements

The AN/DAS-4 system is equipped with a three-color diode-pump laser designator/rangefinder, which provides highly accurate targeting data. It also supports Laser Spot Search and Track—a feature that allows the system to detect and lock onto targets designated by another source using laser markers. Automatic alignment between sensor and laser components ensures consistent targeting precision while minimizing the need for frequent manual calibration.

Intelligent Target Acquisition

The system supports three target tracking modes and includes automatic target acquisition capabilities. Combined with the standard MTS features—such as multi-mode fields of view and digital zoom—these intelligent enhancements significantly streamline and speed up the processes of detection, locking, and tracking of both stationary and moving targets.

The AN/DAS-4 system can provide precision laser tracking and designation for a wide range of laser-guided munitions used by U.S. and NATO armed forces, including missiles like Griffin and bombs such as the Paveway series.

MS-110 & MS-177: Strategic-Level ISR Sensors

These advanced members of Raytheon’s MTS family are built for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, offering superior imaging capabilities at long ranges and high altitudes. Unlike MTS-A/B/D systems that are typically mounted on tactical UAVs and helicopters, MS-110 and MS-177 are designed for integration into larger fixed-wing aircraft.

MS-110: Tactical Electro-Optical Imaging System

• Developed to deliver long-range, high-resolution imagery using multiple spectral bands.
• Often installed on aircraft such as the U-2 Dragon Lady or RQ-4 Global Hawk.
• It uses improved optics and sensor resolution over previous systems for detailed reconnaissance missions.

MS-177: Enhanced Long-Range Surveillance Sensor

• A successor to MS-110, boasting even higher fidelity and more powerful imaging capabilities.
• Can operate across multiple spectral bands, including visible, infrared, and short-wave infrared.
• Provides automated target detection and classification, improving real-time battlefield awareness.
• Compatible with various platforms including E-8 JSTARS, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and other long-endurance aircraft.
• Supports modular payload architecture, allowing easy upgrades and adaptations for new missions.

Sources:
AN/DAS-4: Sharper Eyes for the Reaper | Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) | Raytheon - RTX | MTS Brochure | PDF | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle | Surveillance - Scribd | MTS-B Multi-Spectral Targeting System | Raytheon Integrates and Tests SeaVue Radar and MTS Onboard Predator B | AIRBORNE IMAGING 2011 - Piloto Policial | Raytheon's Airborne FLIR Sensor Ball Systems | Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) AN/AAS-52 | Raytheon unveils compact Multi-Spectral Targeting System | RTX to produce 9 AN/DAS-4 targeting systems for US Navy MQ-9Cs | Raytheon to produce multi-spectral targeting system for USAF | MQ-9 Reaper Armed Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) | Global ISR Sensors and Software | Raytheon | Lockheed Martin Selects Raytheon to Deliver Next Generation F-35 Sensor | MH-60S Multi-Mission Combat Support Helicopter | Raytheon (RTX) Wins Deal for Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems | U.S. Navy, Northrop Grumman Near Delivery of Baseline Triton | AN/AAS-44