Initial operational capability announced for Air Force Sniper targeting pod
NewsMarch 17, 2014
ORLANDO, FL. Air Force officials announced initial operational capability (IOC) for the Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod - Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) -- that was developed by Lockheed Martin engineers. It has since deployed for support of combat operations in theater.
Sniper ATP-SE enables U.S. Air Force strike fighter and bomber aircraft pilots to have advanced modes for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); expanded air-to-air and maritime capability; improved combat identification; and two-way data link communication.
The U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard will deploy Sniper ATP-SE on the A-10C, B-1, F-15E, and F-16 Blocks 30, 40, and 50, according to Lockheed Martin officials.
The Sniper ATP-SE system also has Net-T capability, which provides a point-to-multipoint networking architecture. When used with other platforms, it enables operators and analysts to have access to real-time data that is beyond their line of sight. B-1 bombers at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, were the first operational platforms to fly with Sniper ATP-SE.