By Marina Malenic
EGLIN AFB, Fla. –The Air Force is testing an improved version of the Lockheed Martin [LMT] Sniper advanced targeting pod that is expected to bring new features like lead laser guidance to F-16, F-15, B-1 and other pilots, officials here said last week.
“What we’re testing is version 3.5,” said Maj. Ed Colfer of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin.
Colfer explained to reporters that the new version adds Lead Laser Guidance, Moving Target Velocity Display and Image Overly.
“One of the biggest challenges in [Afghanistan] is trying to hit a moving target–could be a vehicle, could be a boat, could be a camel,” Colfer said. “Lead Laser Guidance produces a lead track.”
Previously, an air support crew would have conducted calculations to determine the speed of the vehicle or object in question.
The new Moving Target Velocity Display provides a backup to the Lead Laser Guidance capability. Image Overlay, meanwhile, provides a blended infrared view of the area being studied, according to Colfer.
All the new capabilities are being injected via a software update.
In August, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a Phase 3 Sniper ATP B-52 integration contract. Phase 3 includes full integration of the Sniper ATP on the B-52 with a new multi-function color display and digital-integrated hand controller.
Sniper ATP deployed on the B-1 bomber last year, allowing the aircraft to extend its traditional close-air support mission to include non-traditional ISR. The pod is also being used on Air Force, Air National Guard and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10 and Tornado aircraft. Its common software and hardware interface design enables users to “plug and play” across services and multiple platforms.
Deployed in since January 2005, Sniper ATP has also been purchased by over a dozen international air forces.