Lockheed
Martin’ 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 16 international air forces. With a possible US
Navy requirement in the near future for next-generation target pods,
Lockheed Martin feels it has the right system to answer current and
future needs. |
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Building
on the technology of legacy ATP pods, Sniper pods in the new ATP-SE
configuration provide an even greater capability via new enhanced sensors,
a two-way data link, advanced processors and automated non-traditional
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance modes.
Navy Recognition had the opportunity to ask a few questions to Ken Fuhr,
director of Fixed Wing Programs, from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control regarding the Sniper Pod. |
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Xavier
Vavasseur - Navy Recognition (NR): Have Sniper tests started yet with
the U.S Navy and onboard which platform? Are those tests over?
Ken Fuhr, Lockheed Martin (KF): Lockheed Martin
continually invests in technology innovation to meet the current and
anticipated needs for our warfighters to counter any threat, including
the need for a next-generation targeting forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
pod for the U.S. Navy’s strike fighter fleet; no formal testing
has begun. With more than 30 years’ experience of electro-optical
integration and deployment on Navy platforms, including NITE Hawk on
F/A-18s, LANTIRN and IRST on F-14s and Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
(ATP) on the Canadian CF-18, we believe we can meet the Navy’s
future needs.
NR. What is the Initial Operational Capability for a future
targeting pod with the US Navy?
KF. Because the Navy has not defined next-gen targeting FLIR requirements,
initial operational capability is also undefined.
NR. On which US Navy platforms will the pod be integrated?
KF. Platforms are dependent upon the Navy’s requirements for
their next-generation targeting pod, but they could include F/A-18 A-F,
EA-18G, P-8A. The ease with which Sniper ATP – Sensor Enhancement
(SE) has demonstrated proven plug-and-play integration and maintainability
across U.S. Air Force and international platforms makes it the ideal
candidate for the Navy’s next-generation targeting pod.
NR.Will there be a specific US Navy designation for it ?
KF. Sniper ATP-SE has been designed and built to comply with all
U.S. Air Force and Department of Navy requirements. No unique configuration
block changes are necessary to integrate on U.S. Navy fixed wing platforms;
therefore, no specific designation is needed.
NR. What are the differences between an existing USAF Sniper
pod and the "new" one to be used by the US Navy?
Is there a specific manufacturing process or specific parts
used in the "naval" version in order to cope with the impacts
generated by carrier landings?
KF. No unique changes are necessary for Sniper ATP-SE to operate
within the carrier environment because we designed and built it to comply
with all U.S. Air Force and Department of Navy requirements. We have
a firmly established business model that focuses on continuous investment
for Sniper ATP-SE to remain capable and relevant for current and emerging
missions and to support new technologies, weapons and communications.
NR. Same question the EOTS of F35A compared with the EOTS found
onboard the B and C models (I read information that the EOTS uses the
same technology and parts as the SNIPER I hope the information is correct
and relevant to the topic, if not, please ignore it)
KF. The electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) was designed to comply
with requirements for all F-35 variants and does not require unique
changes or additional modifications to operate.
NR. Will the next-generation pods eventually replace all LANTIRN and
Litening pods in the US Navy and USMC naval aviation wings?
KF. The Department of Navy leadership defines requirements to organize,
train and equip fielded forces, so they will decide what targeting pod
flies on their fleet. Our decades of experience in the naval domain
and Sniper ATP-SE’s superior performance over the past decade
make it a viable option for the Navy’s next-generation FLIR.
NR. What extra capabilities do SNIPER brings to the US Navy
compared to the two existing aforementioned pods?
KF. We’re always looking ahead to the future of targeting
and continue our investment to improve performance of Sniper ATP-SE
by identifying emerging needs of our warfighters. Sniper’s combat-proven
capabilities provide the highest resolution imagery for precision targeting,
air-to-air passive attack and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance (NTISR).
NR. Could the SNIPER ATP-SE be used for anti-ship missions?
What would be its benefits in such role?
KF. Sniper ATP-SE is used for anti-ship missions to identify the
target, and its advanced target tracker with a maritime track mode accurately
acquires and tracks surface vessels. Sniper ATP-SE’s ability to
accurately deliver laser-guided weapons and generate geocoordinates
for precision guided munitions makes it the ideal pod for challenges
associated with maritime targets as well as land targets. Several non-traditional
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and bomb damage assessment
modes are also available in conjunction with Sniper ATP-SE’s digital
data recorder and two-way data link; these capabilities align with requirements
for net-centric operations across all other platforms, weapons, networks
and sensors as the U.S. Navy updates every type and model aircraft in
the fleet.
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