OVERVIEW:  The TP-23 IRST (Infrared Search and Track) is a passive airborne  sensor that detects infrared radiation.

DETAILS: 
 During enemy use of electronic countermeasures, the pilot can utilize the TP-23 onboard IR radar that expands the aircraft's combat capabilities for detection and tracking of air targets and ensures un-detectability of attack.  However, because the atmosphere attenuates infrared to some extent (although not as much as visible light) and because adverse weather can attenuate it also (again, not as badly as visible systems), the range compared to a radar is limited. Within range, angular resolution is better than radar due to the shorter wavelength.


Specifications:

	Frequency:	Infrared
	Range:		16.0 nm search at high altitude vs. bomber
			12.4 nm search at high altitude vs. fighter
			


NOTES:  Used in the MiG-23M.
 

SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 3497 (Kindel ed.) location 3302-3316, 3584;

