B-52 bomber to become reconnaissance platform with Lockheed Martin targeting and video downlink
Posted by John Keller
ORLANDO, Fla., 28 Dec. 2009. The venerable B-52 Stratofortress bomber of the U.S. Air Force is taking another step toward becoming a surveillance and reconnaissance platform with the integration of the Lockheed Martin Corp. Sniper advanced targeting pod (ATP).
The Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control segment in Orlando, Fla., has completed the second phase of its Sniper B-52 integration program at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Sniper will give B-52 air crews with long-range target identification and video downlink capability to forward-deployed forces for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
In the latest series of flights, Sniper ATP demonstrated its ability to operate on the B-52, proving its extended laser range capability, precision long range target tracking, and moving multi-target track, Lockheed Martin officials say.
"The picture quality was just unreal," says Air Force Maj. Chris Chandler, Operations flight commander with the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron. at Barksdale Air Force Base.
In August, the U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a Sniper ATP B-52 integration contract for full integration on the B-52, with a new multi-function color display and digital-integrated hand controller.
"Sniper ATP deployed on the B-1 bomber in 2008, enabling the aircraft to extend its traditional close-air support mission to include non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance," says Ken Fuhr, director of fixed-wing targeting programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We look forward to providing the same multi-mission capability to the B-52."
Sniper is on Air Force, Air National Guard, and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10 and Tornado combat aircraft.
For more information contact Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control online at www.lockheedmartin.com.
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