Northrop Grumman has been awarded two low rate initial production contract modifications for the supply of its additional Laser Infrared Targeting and Navigating (LITENING) SE advanced targeting pods as part of the US Air Force (USAF) advanced targeting pod – sensor enhancement (ATP-SE) programme.

The combined $66m contracts, awarded under the original, seven-year indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle, follow a $25m contract secured by the company in October 2010 for the supply of 250 pods plus spares, training and logistics support.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The LITENING SE is a pylon-mounted targeting pod designed to provide aircrew with infrared and visible imagery of both ground and airborne targets.

The pod is equipped with a plug-and-play (PnP) III digital two-way and data link Line Replacable Unit (LRU) and offers the latest advancements in sensor, laser imaging and data link technology.

Based on Northrop’s G4 production targeting pod configuration, LITENING SE features technologies such as full 1Kx1K Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor, 1Kx1K charge-coupled device and short wave infrared sensors, colour symbols, tracker improvement, enhanced zoom, and two-way multi-band data link.

See Also:

The pod provides laser ranging and designation in support of weapon delivery, navigational functions, and recording and data-linking of generated imagery and data, which will enable greater stand-off ranges and increase target identification.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The pods have been extensively flight tested on the USAF F-16 Block 40/50 aircraft and Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve F-16 Blocks 25/30/32, and A-10C Thunderbolt aircraft.

Northrop Grumman is expected to receive $920m of the entire $2.3bn award for the purchase of 670 pods until 2017 if the government exercises all options under the IDIQ contract.