Group : Optronic Systems
Status : Active
Also Known As : AN/AAQ-33 Sniper
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2003
Total Production : 383
Unitary Cost : USD $5.0 million

The PANTERA (Precision Attack Navigation and Targeting with Extended Range Acquisition) is a derivative of proven Sniper XR advanced targeting pod intended for the export market. It provides target identification and targeting at far greater range than current targeting systems. The advanced modular design allows PANTERA to be mounted both internally and externally (pod), while providing low life cycle costs. The PANTERA incorporates a third generation midwave FLIR, laser tracker, laser marker, dual mode laser, and a CCD-TV. To date, it has been selected by Norway (6+12) for its mid-life updated F-16A/B aircraft and Poland for its F-16C/D aircraft. Oman also selected PANTERA for its F-16 aircraft fleet.

In August 2004, the Sniper XR/PANTERA was tested on the F/A-18 aircraft in support of ongoing targeting pod competitions in Australia and Canada. The US Navy and the US Marine Corps were also considered as potential customers for this advanced targeting pod. In November 2004, Lockheed-Martin announced that a modified PANTERA targeting pod on a Norwegian F-16 aircraft demonstrated, for the first time, data downlink capability at Bodo Air Force Base in Bodo, Norway. The video transmission provided by the targeting pod will allow net-centric and cooperating air and ground forces operations. Later on November 15, 2004, the Royal Norwegian Air Force exercised an option for additional PANTERA targeting pods, terms and quantities were not disclosed. The first PANTERA lot delivery was completed August 2004.

In April 2006 Boeing selected Lockheed Martin to provide Sniper Advanced targeting pods, Tiger Eyes navigation pods, and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System for the Republic of Singapore F-15SGs. Under an undisclosed fixed-price five-year contract this advanced electro-optical sensor suite will be integrated into the F-15SG aircraft beginning in the second quarter of 2007.

Group : Optronic Systems
Status : Active
Also Known As : ATP-SE (Sensor enhacement version introduced in early 2013)
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2006
Total Production : 522
Unitary Cost : USD $1.6 million

The Sniper XR (eXtended Range) is an advanced targeting pod designed to meet the requirements of the US Air Force and Air National Guard. It incorporates a third generation targeting FLIR, a laser tracker, a laser marker, a dual mode laser, and a CCD-TV providing superior image quality. The lightweight Sniper XR provides target identification and targeting capabilities at greater ranges compared to existing targeting pods. It also features lower life cycle costs thanks to its modular architecture. The US Air Force selected Sniper XR for integration on the F-16C Block 50, F-16C Block 40, F-16 Block 30 and the F-15E. Under this contract, Lockheed-Martin will provide up to 522 Sniper XR targeting pods to the US Air Force and Air National Guard.

In February 2004, the US Air Force awarded a contract to integrate Sniper XR targeting pod onto the US Air Force A-10 aircraft. Sniper XR addition to the OA/A-10 aircraft fleet is being carried out under the A-10 precision engagement upgrade. B-1 and B-52 targeting requirements could be fulfilled by the Sniper XR as well. The total number of Sniper XR targeting pods delivered or ordered by the US Air Force and US National Guard until Lot IV award is 92. The pods are fully interchangeable among different aircraft types because Sniper XR's software allows to automatically identify the type of aircraft. For example, the US Air Force can download a pod from an F-16 and load onto an F-15 or A-10 aircraft without having to change the pod software.

In August 2004, several flight tests of the Sniper XR on the F/A-18D aircraft were carried out in support of targeting pod competitions in Australia and Canada, and potential future requirements of the US Navy and US Marine Corps for their F/A-18C/Ds and F/A-18E/Fs. The Sniper XR connected to the Hornet via the NITE Hawk pod interfaces. In early 2005, the US Air Force released that the F-15E Strike Eagle was testing Sniper XR advanced targeting pod at the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, England. During the test campaign , an F-15E dropped for the first time the 500-pound GBU-38 JDAM satellite-guided weapon.

As of March 2005, Sniper XR pods were equipping US Air Force F-15E, F-16 Block 50 and Air National Guard F-16 Block 30 aircraft. Follow-on procurements were expected to outfit the F-16 Block 40, F-15E and A-10 fleets. In addition, the pod was being evaluated to fulfill targeting requirements on the B-1 and B-52 aircraft. In May 2005, the US Air Force released that the Sniper XR advanced targeting pod was successfully deployed in Iraq on the F-15E Strike Eagle. These aircraft flew more than 450 missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sniper XR was integrated onto the US Air Force and Air National Guard F-15E, F-16 Block 30/40/50, A-10 and was being integrated on the B-1B Lancer.

Sniper XR Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) achieved initial operational capability (IOC) with the Air National Guard (ANG) on 21 April 2006. The unit involved was the F-16-equipped 174th Fighter Wing based in Syracuse, New York.