It is safe to say that the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR (manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation) is the most advanced targeting pod in service in the world today. Based on its predecessor, the LANTIRN targeting pod, it is far superior in range (3-5 times the range of LANTIRN), resolution, stability and in many other parameters. The first time in the history of targeting pods, it allows pilots to pick out even individual enemy soldiers on the ground from outside jet noise ranges. It is highly reliable, having an MTBF value (mean time between failures) of over 600 (!) hours. Its hardware and software configuration featuring "plug-and-play" flexibility across services and multiple platforms, Sniper XR can be used on A-10, B-1, B-52, F-15E, F-16 and F-18 aircraft. On the Strike Eagle it can be hung under the left air intake by using the ADU-577/A adaptor unit developed for the LANTIRN targeting pod (see picture below).

History

The Sniper XR pod was developed as a logical improvement over LANTIRN which proved to be a very useful tool, but it became outdated over the years. Lockheed Martin won the USAF advanced targeting pod ( ATP) competition in 2001. The first mission ready pods were deployed in January 2005.

In October 2010 Lockheed-Martin has been selected as the winner of a 60% percent share of the Advanded Targeting Pod Sensor Enhancement ( ATP-SE) competition launched by USAF. Under the terms of this contract, the government has options to buy up to 670 pods through 2017.

With this contract Sniper will feature new enhanced sensors for combat identification and a two-way datalink, expanding its non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NT-ISR) and net-centric capabilities.

Details

Sniper XR ( XR stands for eXtended Range) is compatible with the J-series GPS guided weapons and is able to determine the target's exact GPS coordinates. The pod features a high-resolution, advanced third-generation mid-wave FLIR, a dual mode laser and a CCD-TV along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker. The pod fits comfortably under the intake, just in front of countermeasure (chaff and flare) dispenser bays and does not deny their use (a problem existing with a somewhat longer LANTIRN targeting pod).

The pod 94 inches long, 11.9 inches in diameter and weighs 397 pounds. It is much lighter than the LANTIRN targeting pod and because of its smaller diameter and streamlined design it generates less aerodynamic drag. It is integrated with the jet's other systems (can be used in pair with the LANTIRN navigation pod) and communicates via the standard MIL 1553B data bus. It's onboard software can be easily updated whenever the need arises, and many of its components are designed to be LRU's. During the design phase, care was taken to utilize as much LANTIRN parts (already existing) as possible to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. The pod requires two level maintenence (line-level and depot-level) which means that smaller errors can be fixed on site, without the need to bring the pod back to depot. Automated built-in test ( BIT) algorithms permits a flightline maintainer to be able to replace a Sniper LRU quicker than 20 minutes.

The targeting pod features a digital data recorder to provide real-time data recording and logging. Besides this, a real-time video downlink feature is also available.

The pod contains a laser designator/rangefinder to aid the delivery of precision guided munitions (PGM's) plus the software necessary to automatically track the selected target regardless of the maneuvering of its host plane. It is possible to designate for the aircraft's own weapons and for the weapons of other aircraft as well (this latter technique is called 'buddy-lasing'). In case of unguided ('dumb') bombs the laser is used to determine target range and the pod feeds this input to the aircraft's fire control system.

To be able to follow the target within wide limits, the nose section of the targeting pod can rotate all the way around, thus giving an unlimited (or continuous) field of regard in roll direction. Because of the wedge shaped 'window' at the nose of the pod, field of regard in pitch direction ranges from +35 to -155 degrees.

The laser the pod can operate in two modes: training mode and combat mode. For training purposes and in urban warfare the pod uses an eyesafe laser beam to avoid accidental damages to the eyes of people around the jet. Since the training version is much less powerful, its range is much smaller than the full range of the combat version. The combat version has a wavelength compatible with the standard LGB's currently in service, which means it should be 1.06 micron.

LANTIRN targeting pod automatically shuts itself down above 25.000 feet of altitude to avoid electrical arcing in thin air when firing the laser. This altitude limit was increased to 50.000 feet in case of the Sniper XR.

The laser has a very precise geopointing ability, which means that the aircrew can determine the exact GPS coordinates of the point on the ground the laser points at. Needless to say, that it is a pretty important feature for ground troops or for J-series wepon deliveries. Sniper XR is said to be 10 times more precise than LANTIRN as far as it comes to geopointing.

Sniper XR features both air-to-ground and air-to-air FLIR modes. The FLIR image is double the resolution of that of the LANTIRN system.

Technical Data

Sources

• Lockheed Martin official website (www.lockheedmartin.com)
• Official USAF Fact Sheet

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