Lockheed Martin targets more orders

has received a follow on order from the US Air Force (USAF) for 45 additional Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP). Terms of the contract, which will be funded by a defence emergency supplemental bill, have not been finalised.

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods are aircraft mounted long-range precision targeting systems. They provide positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation, and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges.

Lockheed Martin’s pods contain a laser spot tracker, an infrared marker and video downlink for target coordination, which provides real-time TV quality video to joint terminal air controllers on the ground. Sniper is noted for its ability to provide real-time targeting for JDAM, small diameter bomb and precision-guided weaponry.

‘We are pleased to provide this key capability to the warfighter during a time of war and understand the vital role Sniper ATP plays in the air force’s contribution to ongoing operations,’ said Mark Fischer, Fixed Wing Business Development representative at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. ‘Sniper is proving to be an invaluable tool in current operations.’

Sniper pods are in use on the USAF’s F-15E, A-10 and F-16 30/40/50 blocks. It is also used internationally on F-18s and Harriers for air forces including the RAF.