U.S. Air Force Gen. William J. Begert, Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, recently lauded Lockheed Martin's Sniper XR Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) after a 90-minute familiarization flight in Nevada.

The flight was hosted by the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV, and provided the General an overview of Sniper XR's exceptional performance capabilities. The flight replicated an interdiction mission scenario.

Begert was very impressed with the quality of Sniper XR's imagery and ease of operation. "It's unbelievable ... very easy to operate," said General Begert, regarding Sniper XR as he stepped away from the aircraft following the flight.

Prior to the flight, Begert received a review of the ATP program's status and an overview of the Sniper XR pod. This overview was supplemented by a detailed preflight explanation of the pod and its features from Capt. Alan W. "Sped" Edwards, Nellis AFB, who piloted the flight.

Sniper XR pods will initially equip the U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 50 and the Air National Guard's F-16 Block 30 aircraft. Follow-on procurements are potentially on the horizon for the F-16 Block 40, F-15E and A-10 fleets. The U.S. Air Force also is evaluating Sniper XR to fulfill targeting requirements for the B-1 and B-52 aircraft.

Sniper XR incorporates a high-resolution, mid-wave third generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), a dual-mode laser and a CCD-TV along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker. Designed as an affordable precision targeting system in a single, lightweight pod, Sniper XR is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions and precision guided weaponry.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control