
The Lockheed Martin Sniper XR is a targeting pod for U.S. Air Force
and Air National Guard aircraft. The purpose is to allow easier
targeting for delivery of ordnance during combat. The Sniper XR is
intended for use on the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon,
A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, B-1, and UK Harrier GR9 aircraft. It
has also been check fitted to the F/A-18 Hornet using the AN/AAS-38
NITE Hawk interface. Sniper ATP is in service with Norway, Oman,
Poland, Singapore, Belgium, and the UK MoD. The system has also
been purchased by the Canadian Forces for installation on the CF-18
Hornet and in July 2007 was acquired by Pakistan, becoming the
tenth country in the world to be in posesssion of the Sniper XR.
The Sniper XR contains a laser designator and tracker for guiding
laser-guided bombs. The pod also features a third-generation FLIR
receiver and a CCD television camera. FLIR allows observation and
tracking in low light / no light situations, while the CCD camera
allows the same functions during day time operations.
The U.S. Air Force initial seven-year contract for Sniper ATP has
potential value in excess of $843 million. The Sniper ATP has
delivered over 125 pods and the U.S. Air Force plans to procure at
least 522 Sniper ATPs
Any idea if it meant that they'll be fitted onto the Strike Eagles
or do we already have em on our F16s? 