The US Air Force has placed an initial order for Northrop Grumman’s LITENING advanced targeting pods with full-color digital video capability and two-color laser spot search and track.
The pod is in service with major components of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, the Marine Corps and several international customers. It has been integrated on a range of platforms, including AV-8B, A-10, B-52, C-130, F-15, F-16 and F/A-18.
LITENING features high definition video, 1K FLIR and charged-coupled device sensors, laser imaging sensors and multiple plug-and-play data link options.
“LITENING’s color video capability works with the way we naturally see the world to give warfighters in the cockpit and on the ground more complete situational understanding in less time,” said Ryan Tintner, vice president, navigation, targeting and surveillance, Northrop Grumman. “Whether the mission is close air support, surveillance, search and rescue or training, LITENING’s latest upgrade will help ensure that warfighters don’t miss a thing.”
The latest announcement comes after US Air Force awarded a $1.3 billion indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award for LITENING advanced targeting pod sustainment, production, software and upgrades in January 2019.
