Lockheed Martin Awarded USAF Contract for 45 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods

ORLANDO, FL.- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for 45 additional Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP). The follow-on order will be funded by a defense emergency supplemental bill; contract terms have not been finalized.

Sniper pods are currently flying on the USAF’s F-15E, F-16 blocks 30/40/50 and A-10, in addition to international F-18 and Harrier platforms. Sniper ATP’s common software/hardware interface design enables the USAF to “plug & play” Sniper across platforms providing a single common hardware/software configuration across the fleet.

“We are pleased to provide this key capability to the Warfighter during a time of war and understand the vital role Sniper ATP plays in the Air Force’s contribution to ongoing operations,” said Mark Fischer, Fixed Wing Business Development representative at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Sniper is proving to be an invaluable tool in current operations.”

Since the USAF source selection in 2001, Sniper ATP has become the pod of choice for eight international air forces including the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Poland, Belgium, Oman and Pakistan. Sniper ATP is a battle-proven asset used by coalition forces currently engaged in combat operations.

Sniper incorporates a high-resolution, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared, a CCD-TV and a dual-mode laser permitting eye-safe operation in urban environments. For target coordination, Sniper possesses a laser spot tracker, an infrared marker and video downlink which provides real-time TV quality video to joint terminal air controllers on the ground. Sniper is noted for its ability to provide real-time targeting for JDAM, small diameter bomb and precision-guided weaponry. Its superior detection ranges are vital to pilots, helping them detect insurgency targets outside jet noise ranges.