The US Navy is purchasing an additional 25 Lockheed Martin Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods for installation on its Grumman F-14 Tomcat strike fighters.
The USN previously purchased 75 LANTIRN systems to give the F-14 a ground-attack capability, with a contract option for an additional 25, which it is taking up. The additional purchase is worth up to $43 million.
The LANTIRN pod allows F-14 pilots to attack targets with laser-guided bombs and perform forward air-control missions during the day or at night.
Originally built for McDonnell Douglas F-15E and Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds, the LANTIRN was modified for the F-14 with a global-positioning system and an inertial-navigation subsystem.
Source: Flight International