Northrop Grumman announced that their LITENING targeting pod has successfully completed its first test flights with the US Navy’s F/A-18 SUPER HORNET. The news follows the US Navy’s early 2022 selection of the LITENING to replace legacy targeting pods on its F/A-18 fleet.
The company stated that during the test flight, pilots executed manoeuvres and operations representative of combat missions, including ground moving target tracking, air-to-air tracking and target designation. The pilots also engaged the eye-safe training laser mode which allows the pod to be used for realistic training with combat controllers on the ground. Northrop Grumman noted that the pilots were able to carry out these operations without advance training, demonstrating the targeting pod’s ease of use.
LITENING is already in service with the Marine Corps, Air Force, Air National Guard and international customers. According to Northrop Grumman, the company has so fardelivered over 900 LITENING pods.
MC
