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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders   Sniper PodPictured on the right is a sniper pod stand designed by Senior Airman Christopher Caruso, an avionics technician with the 555th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit. The stand allows maintainer to connect the sniper pod to an F-16 Fighting Falcon without having to mount it to the aircraft and perform the necessary steps to test its functionality. Pictured on the left is a common wheeled platform used to transport a sniper pod. While still used to transport sniper pods, maintainers are unable to test a sniper pod on it or conduct maintenance. This innovation saves man-hours and money because of the amount of time it takes to mount the sniper pod to the aircraft. If, after the ops checks, there are still problems with the sniper pod, it would have to be unmounted and fixed. The stand allows maintainers to test and fix the sniper pod without moving it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Gonsier)
                
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        Sniper PodFirst Lt. Brian Combes, 34th Bomb Squadron B-1 offensive systems officer, loads software into a sniper advanced targeting pod on a B-1B Lancer prior to a Global Power Mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 12, 2014. The long-range targeting system provides aircrews with positive target identification, autonomous tracking coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air to ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/Released)
                
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        Mission Sniper pods provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces.Mission Sniper pods provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces.
                
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 Sniper Pod**Mission**
Sniper pods provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces. The Sniper pod enables aircrews to detect and identify weapon caches and individuals carrying armaments, all outside jet noise ranges. Superior imagery, a video datalink and J-series-weapons-quality coordinates provided by the Sniper pod enable rapid target decisions and keep aircrews out of threat ranges.
High resolution imagery for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) enables the Sniper pod to play a major role in Air Force operations in theater, providing top cover for ground forces, as well as increasing the safety of civilian populations.
The Sniper pod is combat proven on U.S. Air Force and international F-15E, F-16 (all blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9 and CF-18 aircraft. Lockheed Martin is also in the final stages of integrating the Sniper pod on the B-52. The pod's plug-and-play capability facilitates moving the pod across platforms without changing software.**Features**
Sniper pods include a high definition mid-wave forward looking infrared (FLIR), dual-mode laser, HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder. Advanced image processing algorithms, combined with rock steady stabilization techniques, provide cutting-edge performance. The pod features automatic tracking and laser designation of tactical size targets via real-time imagery presented on cockpit displays. The Sniper pod is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions for precision weapons delivery against multiple moving and fixed targets.
Advanced Targeting Pod - Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) design upgrades include enhanced sensors, advanced processors, and automated NTISR modes.
The Sniper pod's architecture and modular design permits true two-level maintenance, eliminating costly intermediate-level support. Automated built-in test permits flightline maintainers to isolate and replace an LRU in under 20 minutes. Spares are ordered through a user-friendly website offering in-transit visibility to parts shipment.
The Sniper pod's modular design also offers an affordable road map for modernizing and enhancing precision targeting capabilities for U.S. Air Force and coalition partner aircraft.**Background**
Sniper was competitively selected to be the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Targeting Pod in August 2001. The contract provided for pods and associated equipment, spares, and support of the F-16 and F-15E aircraft for the total force, active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard. The Sniper pod first deployed overseas on F-15E aircraft in January 2005.
The Sniper pod was originally required for use on U.S. Air Force F-16, F-15E, and A-10 aircraft. It deployed on the F-16 in 2006, on the B-1 in 2008 in response to an urgent operational need, and on the A-10C in 2010. It is also in the final stages of integration on the B-52.
On Sept. 30, 2010, Lockheed Martin received the 60-percent majority contract to continue providing Sniper pods in support of the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Targeting Pod - Sensor Enhancement program.**General characteristics****Primary function:** positive identification, automatic tracking and laser designation, NTISR  **Prime contractor:** Lockheed Martin**Length:**98.2 inches (252 centimeters)**Diameter:**11.9 inches (30 centimeters)**Weight:**446 pounds (202 kilograms)**Aircraft:** F-15E, F-16 Block 30/40/50, A-10, B-1**Sensors:** high resolution FLIR and HDTV, dual mode laser designator, laser spot tracker and laser marker  **Date deployed:**January 2005**Inventory:**not available
(Current as of September 2015)**Point of Contact**
Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office; 115 Thompson St., Suite 210; Langley AFB, VA 23665-1987; DSN 574-5007 or 757-764-5007; e-mail: accpa.operations@us.af.mil
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