F/A-18 Super Hornet attack aircraft receive LITENING laser guidance system
Northrop Grumman has equipped its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter-bombers and attack aircraft with a new LITENING laser guidance system.
Here's What We Know
James Conroy, vice president of navigation, targeting, and survivability at Northrop Grumman, said the first flight provided an opportunity to assess how effectively the aircraft could build up its capabilities. As part of the test pilots were able to track ground and aerial targets.
LITENING provides the ability to track objects over long distances. The system also activates a rangefinder and laser pointer which allows the aircraft pilot to launch precision guided missiles using the laser.
The main component of LITENIGN is a high-sensitivity thermal imager which operates in the visible range. It is complemented by a FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed) infrared station, which comes to the rescue in limited visibility conditions.
LITENIGN is integrated into a large number of aircraft. In addition to the F/H-18 Super Hornet, they include the fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle fighters, as well as the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber.
Source: @NGCNews
Image: The Drive