Northrop Grumman Gets $25 Million for LITENING
II Targeting Pods
A $25 million U.S. Marine Corps contract received by Northrop
Grumman's Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector covers the supply
of LITENING II targeting pods for the AV-8Bs of the Italian and
Spanish navies, as well as for the USMC's own Harrier IIs. Nine
of the pods are for the USMC, four for the Italian navy, and two
for Spain. The contract also includes logistical support, spares
and training. Originally developed in Israel, LITENING combines
day and night targeting and navigation capabilities in a single
low-cost high-performance pod, and is currently in U.S. production
by Northrop Grumman ESSS for Air National Guard and Air Force
Reserve F-16s. It combines forward-looking infrared (FLIR), charged-coupled
device television (CCDTV), and laser spot tracker/rangefinder
sensors, with a laser marker and a laser designator for extremely
accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons.
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