US LITENING Pod Upgrades Completed
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Northrop Grumman announced that it has completed the successful integration of new target detection, acquisition and tracking capabilities into all 189 previously fielded U.S. LITENING pods on the AV-8B, A-10, B-52, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft, raising them all to the current LITENING AT (Advanced Targeting) standard. See DID’s article highlighting the LITENING Pod.
LITENING has an open architecture and spare volume, which makes upgrades easier and more affordable. Additional upgrades contemplated to the LITENING pod include improved data links which are currently being provided to multiple customers. The USAF continues to conduct tests and designate improvements; advanced sensor capabilities currently in development include ROVER compatibility for tactical air controllers, extended range identification, additional enhanced imaging techniques, and advanced networking capabilities. See all of DID’s LITENING-related coverage.
