Sniper is the new air force advanced targeting pod (ATP). The pod demonstrated exceptional capabilities of stability and pointing accuracy in the recently concluded test by the US air force in which it flew attached to F-16.
This precision targeting system is a single light weight pod which was designed keeping in mind the present and the future needs of the air force.
Sniper provides vastly improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance in support of ground forces. For the first time, aircrews can detect and identify many classes of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapon caches, and individuals carrying armaments, all outside jet noise ranges.
Sniper incorporates high -resolution, mid-wave third generation FLIR and a CCD-TV along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker. The advanced image processing algorithms, combined with rock-steady stabilization techniques, outperform the best systems in service today. Fully compatible with the latest standoff weaponry, the pod provides automatic tracking and laser designation of tactical size targets via real-time imagery presented on cockpit displays.
Sniper ATPs are currently flying on the U.S. Air Force F-15E, F-16 and A-10 and are set to fly on the B-1 this month.
Via: Gizmag
