Northrop Grumman receives award for new and upgraded LITENING targeting pods.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation  a $141 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) task order for new LITENING advanced targeting pods and upgrades that will bring existing pods up to the current configuration.

Northrop Grumman’s LITENING advanced targeting pod includes a suite of advanced sensors and data link options for a wide range of targeting and surveillance missions (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)

“LITENING was designed for, and has provided, an affordable and rapid upgrade path to our users,” said Brent Toland, vice president, land and avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman. “This task order demonstrates the enduring value and performance LITENING provides customers in integrating relevant mission capabilities.”

LITENING targeting pod features include:

- Full 1K FLIR and CCD, the highest resolution available in any fielded targeting pod
- Digital, high definition video to the cockpit
- Laser imaging sensors for more accurate identification
- Color symbology for reduced pilot workload and integration with new cockpit displays
- Multiple fields of view for a complete view of the situation
- Advanced two-way plug-and-play datalinks, including NET-T integration, that seamlessly communicate with ground stations
- Flexible upgrade path to bring older pods to the latest configuration affordably.

LITENING is in service with major components of the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Marine Corps and several international customers. It has been integrated on a wide range of platforms, including AV-8B, A-10, B-52, C-130, F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and MQ-9.