Lockheed Martin is developing advanced variants of its LANTIRN navigation and targeting system, which will allow air-to-air tracking and expanded designation envelopes against ground targets.
The programmes, dubbed the LANTIRN2000 and the LANTIRN2000+, are intended to extend the Lockheed Martin product's life beyond the year 2020. One programme Lockheed Martin will bid for is the US Navy project for an improved navigation/targeting pod for its McDonnell Douglas F-18C/D and F-18E/F aircraft.
The LANTIRN2000 includes an improved forward looking infra-red (FLIR) and laser. The company says that this variant could be "ready for full implementation before the turn of the century". The LANTIRN 2000+ programme appears to include sensitive technology which will limit its availability to the US armed services.
The advanced laser will allow the LANTIRN2000's operational ceiling to be extended from 25,000ft (7,600m) to 40,000ft, while the improved FLIR will have a 50-60% increase in target detection, recognition and engagement ranges. The LANTIRN2000+ includes an automatic target cuer, intended to support fighter reconnaissance missions.
Source: Flight International