Lockheed Martin received clearance from the Air Force to begin full-rate production of an upgraded version of the Sniper targeting pod, announced the company on Wednesday. Developed as a quick-reaction capability under the Air Force’s Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement program, the updated Sniper is capable of pinpointing targets beyond visual range, according to the company. “With Sniper ATP-SE, aircrews and ground forces can identify targets faster and farther away, boosting their situational awareness and ensuring their safety in high-threat environments,” said Bill Spangenberg, Lockheed Martin’s Sniper program manager, in the company’s Jan. 16 release. The pod has already undergone testing and integration on the A-10, B-1, B-52, F-15E, and F-16, and “initial deployment of Sniper ATP-SE pods will occur this year,” said Spangenberg. Sniper SE incorporates new sensors and processors and boasts greater image stability and accuracy. The upgrades enhance its utility for reconnaissance augmentation with a high-resolution video data link. (See also Lockheed, Northrop Win Advanced Targeting Pod Work and Full-rate Production for Litening SE Pod.)
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
