As part of the capability upgrade programs for its Super Hornet fleet, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F fighter completed initial flight tests equipped with the new LITENING targeting pod. This was reported by the U.S. firm Northrop Grumman on October 31, along with the release of official images of the aircraft.
Aiming to enhance its target detection and designation capabilities, the U.S. Navy selected Northrop Grumman’s new AN/AAQ-28 LITENING pod to replace the Raytheon AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pods previously used on the Super Hornet fleet; initial test flights began in 2022.
The U.S. Navy’s decision also reflects an effort to standardize equipment and streamline resources across other U.S. military branches, as the LITENING pod is already in use by the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Air National Guard. According to Northrop Grumman, a total of 900 units of the pod have already been delivered to the U.S. Armed Forces.
About the LITENING pod
The LITENING pod is an electro-optical infrared sensor system for targeting and surveillance that enables aircrews to detect, acquire, identify, and track targets at long ranges. It supports a wide range of missions, including target designation, close air support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as humanitarian assistance.
Currently, in its various versions, the LITENING pod is used by numerous armed forces worldwide, including those of Israel, Germany, Greece, Brazil, and Chile, among others.
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