Article Posted on : - Sep 14, 2012

The Sniper ATP (inset) is currently flying on the US Air Force and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10, B-52 and Tornado aircraft.

ORLANDO (BNS): Lockheed Martin has received a $152 million contract from the US Air Force (USAF) for Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) sustainment support over a five-year period, beginning in September 2012.

"Receiving this contract is critical to preserving Sniper pod sustainment for the US Air Force without incurring a gap in support to the warfighter," Ashlie Payne, Sniper programme manager in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business said in the company statement.

Additional scope includes engineering support, initial line replaceable unit spares, support equipment and pod containers. Specific tasks will be covered under a series of delivery orders to be awarded incrementally over the five-year period.

The Sniper pod provides precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information for multiple US Air Force and international aircraft, with testing ongoing on additional platforms.

Enhanced tracking and continuous stabilisation techniques enable maximum tactical standoff range, allowing pilots to track and defeat stationary and moving targets undetected.

A video data link enables the Sniper pod to provide critical situational awareness information across all missions, including close air support of ground forces.