Lockheed Martin to upgrade Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod's digital data link capability
The US Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $13 million contract to upgrade the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod's (ATP) existing data link with an enhanced digital Compact Multi-band Data Link (CMDL). This upgrade expands the Sniper pod's current video data link capabilities by enabling digital transmission of high definition imagery and metadata between aircrews and ground troops at extended ranges.
"Video datalink capability is in every Sniper pod supporting US military operations and has proven to greatly aid in non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for ground forces," said Bill Spangenberg, Sniper ATP program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Sniper has reduced engagement timelines for close air support ten-fold, which is critical to saving lives."
The CMDL upgrade increases long-range battlefield situational awareness and positive target coordination and confirmation, while protecting air-to-ground transmissions from enemy exploitation. CMDL communicates seamlessly with the fielded ROVER family of ground stations including ROVER 5, a portable handheld transceiver.
The CMDL upgrade follows the S3.5 software upgrade of US Air Force and coalition Sniper pods operational on F-16 Block 30/40/50, A-10C, F-15E and B-1 aircraft. The S3.5 adds emerging aircraft interfaces to Sniper ATP and provides new capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-surface tracking and designation, selectable ground-stabilized fragmentation circles, unpowered built-in-test data download capability, and video data link metadata and symbology enhancements. The Sniper pod's modular architecture enables field-level retrofit and facilitates 98 percent fleet availability.
Also operational on the CF-18, Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft, Sniper ATP platform expansion continues on the B-52, Tornado and Typhoon with further expansion envisioned to unmanned aerial vehicles and additional aircraft.
Source: Lockheed Martin
More from Defence Notes
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.