USAF purchases Lockheed Martin's new Sniper ATP-Sensor Enhancement pods

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World Defense & Security Industry News - Lockheed Martin
 
 
USAF purchases Lockheed Martin's new Sniper ATP-Sensor Enhancement pods
 
Lockheed Martin received $176.1 million in contracts from the U.S. Air Force for Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) production and upgrade kits that will convert Sniper ATPs to the ATP-SE configuration, the US-based defense giant announced Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015.
     
USAF purchases Lockheed Martin s new Sniper ATP Sensor Enhancement pods 640 001A B-1 Bomber from the 9th Bomb Squadron conducts its first sortie while employing the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement modification April 15, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas
(Credit: USAF)
     
Sniper ATP-SE has improved sensors, a two-way datalink and algorithms that increase air-to-ground, air-to-air and maritime targeting capability. Upgrade kits consist of line replaceable units that will be installed in fielded ATPs. Deliveries of pods and upgrade kits will begin in fourth quarter 2016.

A new facet to the modification is the pod's Net-T, or network tactical capability, which enables a point-to-multipoint networking architecture that, when employed with other platforms, provides beyond line-of-sight range capability allowing operators, analysts and decision makers access to real-time situational awareness data.

This targeting pod enhancement can provide the commander real-time information, videos, images, maps or coordinates from the forward deployed elements without relying on satellite, radio or other forms of traditional communication.

With the purchase of new Sniper ATP-SEs and the continued conversion of Sniper ATPs to ATP-SEs, the U.S. Air Force will gain greater targeting capability and performance across its multi-platform fleet,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investments and Sniper’s modular, open architecture have ensured it can address growing threats and remain the pod of choice for air forces worldwide.

Lockheed Martin was the majority winner of the 2010 U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard ATP-SE competition. As a unique configuration of Sniper ATP, Sniper ATP-SE provides strike fighter and bomber aircraft with advanced modes for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; improved combat identification; and two-way data link communication.

Sniper ATP has been chosen by the U.S. Air Force and 21 customers worldwide and is interoperable across multiple platforms, including multinational F-2, F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft. In 2014, the Sniper ATP team received the Secretary of Defense Performance-Based Logistics Award, recognizing its excellence in providing operational support to warfighters.