LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod

Anytime, Anywhere:
Keeping LITENING Ready

It could be raining for days. A sandstorm might blacken the sky. Or maybe there is a cold so deep that the mere mention of the place brings the chill back into your bones. But none of that matters. The pods must remain ready.

LITENING Enables a Wide Range of Missions

LITENING is an electro-optical infrared sensor system for targeting and surveillance that enables aircrews to detect, acquire, identify and track targets at long ranges. LITENING enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance.

LITENING advanced targeting pods have more than three million operational hours and over one million hours in combat to their credit. For 20 years and counting, the LITENING team has delivered availability rate greater than 95%.

The current generation of LITENING features daylight and FLIR sensors with digital, color video in high definition, plug-and play data links and a modular design that is ready for evolving mission requirements.

A Targeting Pod So Advanced, It Can See The Future

High resolution sensors and powerful processors are at the heart of LITENING, but there’s more to the pod than its sharp vision. It’s a platform for the insertion of the latest mission-enabling technologies. LITENING’s modular, open systems architecture has consistently made it possible to add new capabilities quickly and affordably.

This philosophy of planned relevance is at the core of the roadmap that has guided – and continues to guide – LITENING development. As long as fourth generation aircraft are flying, LITENING will be ready to support their changing missions.

Some of the LITENING’s affordable firsts include:

• Digital, high definition video in color
• Color CCD, 1K MWIR and SWIR sensors
• Simultaneous views from up to three sensors
• Plug-and-play data links
• Eye-safe laser training mode
• Advanced 2-color laser designator
• Multiple laser spot tracking

The World In High Definition Color

When seconds count, details matter.

To confirm the identity of an object to be tracked, pilots and combat controllers have a brief conversation known as a talk-on-target. Fewer words, more detail – that’s the ideal combination when time is of the essence.

LITENING provides high-definition color TV and FLIR video to give decision makers a clear, detailed view of the situation. Through either an updated aircraft display or a secure tablet, LITENING brings a new level of clarity to the cockpit. Advanced picture-in-picture allows users to see three views simultaneously, displaying video from multiple sensors to provide a more complete picture of the area of interest.

In this context, “Follow the white truck” is a more useful instruction than simply “follow the truck.” Color video provides that critical information, allowing users to shorten the talk-on-target and confirm more quickly and accurately what needs to be tracked.

Real-World Training With Litening’s Eye-Safe Laser Mode

Getting the most out of any advanced electronic system takes training, and LITENING is optimized to make the most of the time on the range. LITENING’s eye-safe laser mode allows pilots and ground forces to designate and track targets under realistic conditions. Once downrange, users are ready to fully employ the pod from day one.

A Spectrum Of Data Link Options For Today’s Networked Battlespace

With LITENING’s Plug-and-Play III data link architecture, the pod can be customized to include advanced data links and recording capabilities for ISR missions. The pod’s digital architecture allows for increased on-board computing to host user-defined networking applications. LITENING supports secure, two-way communications in several frequency bands.

LITENING is Flying Worldwide

LITENING is the choice of U.S. Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard, the Marine Corps and eight international partners. The pod has been integrated on a wide range of platforms, including AV-8B, A-10, B-52, C-12, C-130, F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and MQ-9.

LITENING’S Legendary 24/7 Support

LITENING support is available 24 hours a day, worldwide. Whether online, by telephone or in person, Northrop Grumman logistics professionals stand ready to maintain LITENING readiness. They’re one reason LITENING has achieved an availability rate exceeding 95%.