According to Raytheon officials, the AN/DAS-4 is the most recent variant of the Raytheon MTS family of electro-optical sensors, with improved fire control and target location accuracy for precise targeting coordinates. The Triton is a maritime version of the RQ-4 Global Hawk from Northrop Grumman.
The Raytheon MST
provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), detection,
identification, and targeting capability on manned and unmanned aircraft during
the day and night operations.
MTS sensors provide
detailed intelligence data in the visual and infrared spectral ranges. According
to Raytheon officials, the new AN/DAS-4 MTS variant allows mission commanders
to use high-definition data from an airborne tactical sensor to identify and
engage targets with far greater accuracy.
The DAS-4 features four high-definition cameras covering five spectral bands; a three-colour diode pumps laser designator and rangefinder, laser spot search and track capability, automated sensor and laser bore sight alignment, a three-mode target tracker, and built-in future growth provisions.
This cutting-edge
electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system tracks and laser-designates Griffin
and Paveway missiles, as well as all tri-service and NATO laser-guided
munitions. MTS sensors provide a variety of field of view options, electronic
zoom, and multimode video tracking.
Multispectral sensors
divide images and video into several light wavelengths – typically three to 15
spectral bands – spanning the electromagnetic spectrum, including light from
frequencies beyond the visible light range, such as infrared and ultraviolet.
By dividing images
into different wavelengths, the sensor can extract additional information that
the human eye cannot capture with its red, green, and blue receptors.
The Raytheon MTS's
eye-safe laser rangefinders are supplied by the L3Harris Technologies Advanced
Laser Systems Technology segment in Orlando, Florida.
Raytheon has delivered
over 3,000 MTS sensors to the U.S. and international armed forces, and 44
variants have been integrated on more than 20 manned helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft,
and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).