US / ALLIED AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER XR TGP

AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER XR TGP

General Info:

• Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
• Pod Length ~98 inches
• Weight ~440 lbs
• Sensor Suite
  • - Mid-wave infrared (MWIR) FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared)
  • - CCD-TV for daytime visuals
  • - Laser designator/rangefinder
  • - Laser spot tracker
  • - IR marker
• Zoom Capability High-resolution FLIR with continuous electronic zoom and multiple fields of view
• Operating Range Long-range, high-altitude target detection up to 50 km+
• Targeting Functions
  • - Auto-tracking
  • - Laser designation for precision-guided munitions (PGMs)
  • - Target coordinate generation for GPS-guided weapons (e.g., JDAM)
  • - Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
  • - Air-to-air and air-to-ground target tracking
• Data Link Compatibility Video datalink (ROVER-compatible) for sharing video with ground forces
• Display Integrates with cockpit displays (MFDs), helmet-mounted cueing systems (HMCS)
• Aircraft Compatibility F-16, F-15E, A-10C, B-1B, B-52, and some allied aircraft

The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), developed by Lockheed Martin, is a high-precision, multi-role electro-optical system designed to enhance the air-to-ground and air-to-air targeting capabilities of modern combat aircraft. It features advanced sensors, including mid-wave infrared (FLIR), a CCD-TV camera, laser designator and rangefinder, laser spot tracker, and an infrared marker. These allow for long-range target detection, identification, and tracking, as well as precise guidance for laser- and GPS-guided munitions. First selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2001 to replace older systems like LANTIRN and LITENING, the Sniper pod saw its first combat use in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and quickly gained favor for its superior clarity, accuracy, and standoff capability. Over time, it has been integrated across platforms including the F-16, F-15E, A-10C, B-1B, and B-52, with more than 25 countries adopting it worldwide. The system has continued to evolve with upgrades like the Sniper SE and Sniper XR, offering extended range, improved digital connectivity, and real-time video downlink for close air support coordination. Its modular architecture and proven combat performance make it a cornerstone of precision strike and reconnaissance missions in modern air warfare.

The SNIPER TGP incorporates a high definition mid-wave FLIR, dual-mode laser, visible-light HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder. Advanced sensors and image processing incorporating image stabilization enable targets to be identified at ranges which minimize exposure to defensive enemy systems. The dual-mode laser offers an eye-safe mode for urban combat and training operations along with a laser-guided bomb designation laser.

The pod's FLIR allows observation and tracking through smoke and clouds, and in low light / no light conditions. The CCD camera supports the same operations in visible light for most daylight conditions.

For target coordination with ground and air forces, a laser spot tracker, a laser marker, and an HDTV quality video down-link to ground-based controllers supports rapid target detection and identification. The Sniper can also provide high-resolution imagery for non-traditional Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) missions without occupying the centerline station on small fighter aircraft, and can maintain surveillance even when the aircraft maneuvers. As a result, a second, dedicated fighter aircraft isn't needed to provide protection to a dedicated ISR aircraft, which many small nations cannot afford.

For ease of maintenance, Sniper's optical bed design, partitioning, and diagnostic capabilities permit two-level maintenance, eliminating costly intermediate-level support. Automated built-in testing allows maintenance personnel to isolate and replace a line replaceable unit in under 20 minutes to restore full mission-capable status.