Northrop Grumman Enhances Air Force Targeting Capabilities with Advanced LITENING Large Aperture Pod

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has introduced its advanced LITENING Large Aperture (LA) targeting pod, featuring significant upgrades in its electro-optical/infrared sensors and processing capabilities, for adoption by the U.S. Air Force across its current LITENING fleet.

This state-of-the-art pod boasts digital, high-definition sensors in daylight and infrared spectrums, enhancing imaging resolutions and enabling operations from extended distances. The LITENING LA pod comes equipped with accelerated video processing, superior image stabilization, and refined command and control features, along with a continuous roll capability for seamless imaging even during complex maneuvers. Additionally, its improved targeting modes for both air and ground operations ensure heightened accuracy and reliability under various conditions.

James Conroy, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of electronic warfare and targeting, remarked, “Just as the first LITENING targeting pod transformed close air support more than 20 years ago, LA’s passive targeting capabilities have the potential to change the way pilots approach combat in high-intensity conflicts. We are widening the aperture on how electro-optical/infrared targeting can contribute to mission success, with a more advanced and powerful pod.”

The LITENING LA targeting and surveillance pod empowers aircrews with the ability to identify, track, and engage targets from considerable distances, supporting a broad spectrum of operations from precision targeting and close air support to intelligence gathering and humanitarian missions. It features enhanced, high-resolution digital imaging, data link capabilities, and advanced algorithms for long-range target engagement. A robust mission processor boosts imaging speeds and lays the groundwork for future advancements like artificial intelligence and machine learning integration.

Designed to fit the same form factor as its predecessors, the LITENING LA allows for seamless integration onto existing aircraft without the need for modifications. It also offers an upgrade path for previous pod versions to this latest configuration, ensuring a smooth transition for the Air Force, which has been utilizing the LITENING system since 1999.