Lockheed Martin to upgrade Air Force Sniper pods

A Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod hangs from the underbelly of a B-1B Lancer after a recent mission in Southwest Asia Aug. 5. The Sniper ATP provides enhanced target identification for aircrew, allowing them to detect and analyze targets on the ground via real-time imagery. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell Cannady)

Lockheed Martin has been awarded U.S. Air Force contracts, valued at $176.1 million, to upgrade Sniper advanced targeting pods.

Lockheed Martin will upgrade existing Sniper pods to the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) configuration, according to a company news release.

“Sniper ATP-SE has improved sensors, a two-way data link and algorithms that increase air-to-ground, air-to-air and maritime targeting capability,” Lockheed Martin said. “Upgrade kits consist of line replaceable units that will be installed in fielded ATPs.”