LM to deliver additional Sniper ATPs

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has contracted Lockheed Martin for the company to supply its long-range target identification technologies.

Under a $147 million deal, Lockheed Martin will provide the Air Force with its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods systems. Officials say the remotely operated Sniper ATP, currently integrated with eight Air Force and U.S. allied aircraft, offers operators the capability to detect and target enemies at long ranges.

"The Sniper pod serves a vital role in the Air Force's ongoing fighter and bomber operations in theater," Ken Fuhr, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control director of fixed-wing targeting programs, said in a statement.

Lockheed Martin says it has been working on a next-generation Sniper ATP system. New developments are expected to include a two-way data link and a low-light-level, high-definition television.