ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force approved full-rate production for Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) under the ATP-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) program.

Building on the technology of legacy ATP pods, Sniper pods in the new ATP-SE configuration provide expanded mission capability and recently completed stringent operational testing to confirm their maturity for fielding and full-rate production. Sniper is the only ATP-SE pod integrated and operational on the F-15E, B-1 and B-52 in addition to the F-16 and A-10.

"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. "Initial deployment of Sniper ATP-SE pods will occur this year."

Sniper ATP provides superior detection ranges, stability and pointing accuracy while providing imagery for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR). 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.

Under the U.S. Air Force's NET-T Quick Reaction Capability contract, Sniper ATP-SE enables a point-to-multipoint data link architecture that, when employed with other platforms, provides an extended range "beyond line-of-sight" capability allowing operators, analysts and decision makers access to real-time situational awareness data.

Combat proven, Sniper ATP is the only pod with advanced integration across all U.S. Air Force air-to-surface fighter and bomber aircraft. Sniper pods in the ATP-SE configuration feature new enhanced sensors, advanced processors and automated NTISR modes.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence. The Malcolm Baldrige Award represents the highest honor that can be awarded to American companies for their achievements in leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, measurement, analysis, workforce excellence, operations and results.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin