Full-rate production for targeting pods

Northrop Grumman is starting full-rate production of LITENING SE advanced targeting pods and spares under a U.S. Air Force contract worth $71.5 million. The LITENING SE is a pylon-mounted targeting pod capable of producing infrared and visible imagery of airborne and ground targets, enabling pilots to detect, acquire, auto-track and identify targets for accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. "This full-rate production award reflects Northrop Grumman's ongoing leadership and commitment to providing cutting-edge targeting pods with the latest advancements in sensor, laser imaging and data link technology that give our warfighters the advantage they deserve when executing their missions," said Jim Mocarski, vice president of Northrop Grumman's electro-optical/infrared business unit. The contract was awarded under the Air Force's Advanced Targeting Pod - Sensor Enhancement program. The number of pods expected to be produced and their delivery schedule weren't disclosed. The LITENING SE, based on the company's earlier LITENING G4, features 1Kx1K forward-looking infrared and charge-coupled device sensors, short-wave infrared laser imaging sensor, color symbology, tracker improvements, enhanced zoom and two-way multiband data link.