Northrop Grumman get $25 Million Litening II contract

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector (ES3) has received a $25 million contract from the US Marine Corps (USMC) to supply LITENING II pods for its AV-8B Harrier aircraft. In addition to the USMC, the navies of Italy and Spain will also receive the system for their AV-8B's under the same contract.

The LITENING II combines night and day targeting and navigation capabilities in a single, low-cost, high-performance pod. It enables the F-16 to detect and identify ground targets for extremely accurate delivery of both conventional and precision guided weapons. LITENING II features include forward looking infrared; charge-coupled device television; laser spot tracker/range finder sensors; a laser marker; and a laser designator.

The award includes nine LITENING II pods for the USMC, four pods for the Italian Navy and two pods for the Spanish Navy. Additionally, the contract includes logistical support, spares and training.

LITENING II is currently in production for the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves for the F-16.

"This is a very significant contract because it represents the first integration of the highly versatile LITENING II system onto the AV-8B aircraft," said Bill Brackney, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division in Rolling Meadows, Ill.

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