Lockheed Martin Sniper XR

The Sniper ATP ( Advanced Targeting Pod, JETDS - name: AN/AAQ-33 ) is an external container (german pod ) for navigation and target acquisition for modern combat aircraft. It is manufactured by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin since 2001 and is used primarily in the United States Air Force use.

Description

The Sniper system, which is also known as Sniper XR, was developed primarily for the effective use of precision-guided munitions ( especially those with laser - steering). It can be ground and air targets locations based on their infrared emissions at great distances, to identify and track. Subsequently, the obtained target data is passed to an attached weapon system to initiate the fight.

To meet the requirements, has a Sniper pod across multiple components. The most important part is a high resolution FLIR sensor, which in the mid-infrared spectrum ( engl. mid infrared) works and works CCD-based. This sensor allows the capture of enemy targets at night or in adverse conditions. The range is about three to five times higher than that of a LANTIRN pod of the first generation. For daytime use, a CCD TV camera can be used. Both sensors are fully stabilized and include software algorithms for digital processing of the images. A data link to transfer the acquired images to allied forces as well as a data storage can be added anytime. For tracking and marking of targets serve two separate laser systems. Both have a so-called (English ) Eye -safe mode to prevent eye damage in densely populated areas or in a pub. The airframe causes less drag than previous models and has limited stealth characteristics.

The Sniper pod is used in addition to the United States from the following nations: Belgium, United Kingdom, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The U.S. Air Force is currently planning the procurement of 552 systems at a production rate of 24 units per year. Currently (as of December 2008) are located approximately 170 units in inventory, where the unit price is 1.6 million U.S. dollars. The Air Force plans to integrate the Pod in the following machines: F- 16C / D ( except block 25), F -15E, B -1B, B- 52H and A-10C. Sniper pods are already being used as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom for years.

Platforms

  • A-10C Thunderbolt II
  • F- 15E Strike Eagle
  • F- 16C / D Fighting Falcon
  • F/A-18 Hornet
  • B-1B Lancer
  • B -52 Stratofortress
  • Harrier II
  • Tornado GR.4

Specifications

  • Weight: 181 kg
  • Length: 2.39 m
  • Diameter: 30 cm
  • Components: high-resolution FLIR sensor CCD-based
  • TV camera CCD-based
  • Target tracking laser
  • Target marker laser
Joint Electronics Type Designation System Fighter aircraft Royal Saudi Air Force
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