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Sniper Pod

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Providing precision targeting and enhanced situational awareness to change the way armed forces operate in theater

The Sniper pod is the most widely deployed targeting system for fixed-wing aircraft in use by the U.S. Air Force, and is the targeting system of choice for 12 international air forces. In addition to fulfilling precision strike mission requirements, the Sniper pod is changing the way armed forces operate in theater with new capabilities to meet the challenges of non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR).

The Sniper pod provides long-range target detection/identification and continuous surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces. Superior imagery, a video datalink and J-series weapons-quality coordinates enhance the warfighter’s ability to rapidly detect and analyze ground targets while keeping aircrews out of threat ranges.

The Sniper pod provides the warfighter with:

Advanced image processing algorithms, combined with rock steady stabilization techniques, that provide cutting edge performance
High-resolution, mid-wave FLIR and TV sensors, operated in conjunction with a dual-mode laser, that permit eye-safe operation and precise geo-location in urban environments
Laser spot tracker to acquire other laser spots from air and ground assets; an infrared marker visible to soldiers using night vision goggles and a video down link to provide ground forces with enhanced situational awareness
Real-time targeting for J-series weapons with a state-of-the-art tracker that enables employment of advanced laser-guided weapons against moving targets
Meta-data incorporated in every frame of video to further ensure accuracy throughout intelligence and command and control functions
Common software and hardware interface design provides greater interoperability across aircraft fleets

A precision targeting system in a single, lightweight pod, the Sniper pod is designed for current and future aircraft. It is combat proven on U.S. Air Force and international F-15E, F-16 (all blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9 and CF-18 aircraft. Lockheed Martin is also in the final stages of integrating the Sniper pod on the B-52. As the best overall value and majority share winner of the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) competition in 2010, Sniper pods continue to deliver even greater capability to the warfighter.

Sniper is a Registered Trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Sniper Pod

The Sniper ATP is the most widely used targeting pod in combat operations providing critical long-range, positive identification of both moving and stationary air and ground targets, real-time targeting for advanced laser-guided weapons, and a video down link that relays high-resolution streaming video to forward-deployed forces for non-traditional ISR and rapid target coordination.

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Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (Photo by Lockheed Martin)

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The Sniper ATP, pictured here on a Canadian Forces' F/A-18, has been selected by 11 international air forces. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)

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The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod's superior range lets pilots complete missions safely, and rock-steady stabilization provides unequaled accuracy. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)

Sniper Pod

“The Sniper pod provides the greatest combat capability of all ATPs available today.” -USAF testimonial to Congress justifying its unfunded priority list (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley)

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Sniper ATP system capability is increasing and rapidly expanding to other U.S. Air Force and international aircraft. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

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The Sniper ATP is currently flying on the U.S. Air Force and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10, B-52 and Tornado aircraft. (© BAE Systems December 2006)

Sniper Pod

"With the addition of the Sniper ATP, the A-10C has realized a quantum leap in its ability to locate, identify, track and ultimately defeat targets across the modern battlefield. The A-10C with Sniper ATP is an incredibly lethal combination." -- Lt. Col. Michael Millen, commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)

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Sniper ATP has demonstrated outstanding targeting and ISR performance in F-16, F-15E and GR9 combat operations. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)

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Providing the greatest standoff range precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, the Sniper pod enhances the multi-dimensional role of tactical aircraft. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)