Full-rate production for new Sniper ATP

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod has received U.S. Air Force approval for full-rate production under the ATP-Sensor Enhancement program.

The Sniper ATP -- operational on F-15Es, B-1s, B-52s, F-16s and A-10s -- provides enhanced and extended beyond-line-of-sight target detection ranges, stability and pointing accuracy for aircraft weapon systems. It also provides imagery for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

"Sniper ATP provides superior detection ranges, stability and pointing accuracy while providing imagery for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance," the company said. "A video data link to ground receivers allows the Sniper pod to relay high-resolution streaming video to forward-deployed forces for rapid target coordination."

Sniper pods in its new configuration recently completed operational testing, Lockheed Martin said.

"With Sniper ATP-SE, aircrews and ground forces can identify targets faster and farther away, boosting their situational awareness and ensuring their safety in high-threat environments," said Bill Spangenberg, Sniper ATP program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Details on the number of units the company expects to deliver under full-rate production was not indicated.