Editing Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (section)

==Design==
[[Image:F-15E with Sniper pod.jpg|thumb|An F-15E Strike Eagle carrying a Sniper pod (under engine intake)]]

The Sniper is a single, lightweight [[targeting pod]] with much lower [[aerodynamic drag]] than the systems it replaces {{citation needed|date=December 2014}}. Its [[image processing]] allows aircrews to detect, identify and engage tactical-size targets outside the range of most enemy air defenses, giving it a crucial role in the destruction of enemy [[air defense]] missions. It also supports urban engagements beyond jet noise range for [[counter-insurgency]] operations. It offers a 3-5X increase in detection range over the older [[LANTIRN]] system {{citation needed|date=December 2014}}, and is currently flying on U.S. Air Force and multinational [[F-16]], [[F-15]], [[B-1B]], [[CF-18]], [[Harrier Jump Jet|Harrier]], [[A-10]], [[B-52]] and [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado]] aircraft.

The pod incorporates a high definition mid-wave [[FLIR]], dual-mode laser, visible-light HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104527/sniper-pod/|title=Sniper Pod > U.S. Air Force > Fact Sheet Display}}</ref> Advanced sensors and image processing incorporating image stabilization enable targets to be identified at ranges which minimize exposure to defensive enemy systems. The dual-mode laser offers an eye-safe mode for urban combat and training operations along with a laser-guided bomb designation laser.

The pod's FLIR allows observation and tracking through smoke and clouds, and in low light / no light conditions. The CCD camera supports the same operations in visible light for most daylight conditions. 

For target coordination with ground and air forces, a laser spot tracker, a laser marker, and an HDTV quality video down-link to ground-based controllers supports rapid target detection and identification. The Sniper can also provide high-resolution imagery for non-traditional [[Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (NTISR) missions without occupying the centerline station on small fighter aircraft, and can maintain surveillance even when the aircraft maneuvers. As a result, a second, dedicated fighter aircraft isn't needed to provide protection to a dedicated ISR aircraft, which many small nations cannot afford.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/Sniper/mfc-sniper-atp-feature-stories.html|title=Sniper ATP: Feature Stories · Lockheed Martin|date=23 July 2019}}</ref>

For ease of maintenance, Sniper's optical bed design, partitioning, and diagnostic capabilities permit two-level maintenance, eliminating costly intermediate-level support. Automated built-in testing allows maintenance personnel to isolate and replace a [[line replaceable unit]] in under 20 minutes to restore full mission-capable status.{{cn|date=May 2025}}