Northrop Grumman/RAFAEL Team Wins $18 Million Sensor Contract

The US Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard has awarded the team of Northrop Grumman Corp. (Rolling Meadows, IL) and the Israeli Armament Development Authority RAFAEL an initial contract worth $18 million to supply targeting sensor pods for the Litening laser-target designating system. The Reserve and National Guard will procure the first eight Litening targeting pods under the initial contract, adding a minimum of 168 targeting pods over a five-year period. Initial operational capability is slated for March 2000.

The multisensor Litening is a self-contained, self-cooled system that features forward-looking infrared (FLIR), charge-coupled device television, and laser spot-tracker/rangefinder sensors. It is mechanically, electronically and aerodynamically compatible with all F-16 aircraft and requires no structural modifications to install. Built-in test capabilities permit full on-aircraft maintenance in less than 30 minutes, and the modular system is upgradeable.

Northrop Grumman is prime contractor for the Litening Precision Attack Targeting Systems (PATS) program, and RAFAEL is principal subcontractor. Assembly, integration, testing and depot maintenance of the pods will be performed in Rolling Meadows.