Lockheed Martin completes AN/AAQ-39 deliveries to USAF
Lockheed Martin recently delivered the final AN/AAQ-39 targeting system full production unit to the US Air Force. Q-39 is the electro-optical/infrared targeting system for the US Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130U Gunship.
Q-39 improves on the combat-proven Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2). Like GMS2, Q-39 includes a large-aperture, midwave infrared sensor, two image-intensified television cameras and a near-infrared laser pointer. Q-39 also features a new solid-state, three-color laser designator and software enhancements that increase system performance and reliability. These components are integrated into a highly stabilized turret to ensure outstanding image quality and highly accurate line-of-sight pointing for gunfire control.
"Q-39 provides improved positive combat identification for AC-130U aviators," said Joseph Butera, senior program manager of airborne systems in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "Precision fire control allows warfighters to confidently engage threats at safe stand-off ranges and return safely to base."
The US Air Force awarded the GMS2 initial development contract in 2004 and the initial production contract in 2006. Lockheed Martin received the follow-on contract for Q-39 prime mission equipment in July 2008 and delivered the first of 12 full production units in July 2010. Contracted sustainment activities will continue throughout the year with options to extend support another two years.
In December 2010, the US Air Force awarded a contract to upgrade the five initial production GMS2 systems to the Q-39 follow-on production configuration. Deliveries of the upgraded systems will be complete in 2012.
Q-39 is one of several high-performance stabilized targeting systems designed, manufactured, tested and supported by Lockheed Martin. The company's fielded solutions for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft include Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor for the US Army, Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for the US Air Force and Target Sight System for the US Marine Corps.
Source: Lockheed Martin
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
