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
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
