Northrop Grumman to Integrate U.S. Marine Corps's EA-6Bs with LITENING AT Targeting Systems

EPICOS ^ | 9 January 2007 | Northrop Grumman

[A.A. Cunningham]

Northrop Grumman to Integrate U.S. Marine Corps's EA-6Bs with LITENING AT Targeting Systems
(2007-01-10)
By: Northrop Grumman Corporation

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 9, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to begin integrating U.S. Marine EA-6B aircraft with LITENING Advanced Targeting (AT) pods.

The contract, issued by the Air Force as the executive procurement agent for all LITENING AT pods, marks the first integration of an advanced targeting and sensor system on any EA-6B. When the EA-6B integration is completed later this year, there will be a total of seven different types of U.S. combat aircraft that utilize Northrop Grumman's LITENING AT.

"The Marines have accumulated over 110,000 hours of LITENING AT use on their AV-8B and F/A-18 aircraft," said Mike Lennon, vice president of targeting and surveillance programs at Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division. "EA-6B integration with LITENING will provide the Marines with a persistent, multi-sensor surveillance asset in support of their ground forces. The addition of LITENING is expected to provide an added combat dimension to the EA-6B's existing countermeasure sensors capabilities."

Northrop Grumman's LITENING AT system is a self-contained, multi-sensor laser target-designating and navigation system that enables aircrews to detect, acquire, track and identify ground targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. To date, over 440 pods have been ordered with over 360 fielded, the most of any advanced targeting and sensor system. It is currently operational on AV-8B, A-10, B-52, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. Since the introduction of LITENING in 1999, the system has undergone numerous major upgrades to ensure continued combat relevance in an ever-changing battlespace. The fourth generation version being developed is the next step in that evolution, with fielding with U.S. forces anticipated in 2008.

[A.A. Cunningham]

[Jorge]

...to detect, acquire, track and identify ground targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons.

I like it.

[Sergio]

If I'm not mistaken, the EA-6B has a crew of four, and is and electronic countermeasures platform, able to jam or confuse enemy radar and air defense systems. It is what is called a "Force Multiplier" as it allows other air assets to be more effective.

Since these aircraft are so important, and because there are relatively few of them, they are kept far enough back to be somewhat safe from SAMs, AAA, or interceptor aircraft. While the EA-6B does employ the HARM missile, this is a 30+ mile weapon so the aircraft doesn't really have to get that close to the bad guys.

That being the case, my question is, does anyone know at what range the targeting pod is effective? (Unclassified info only!) If the pod's effective range is 15 or less miles, it would mean putting a high value asset closer to the action for the pod to be of use.

[USMCWife6869]

My husband was a Moondog. Best unit he has been in yet.

[gonzo]

"...The first aircraft (BuNo 147864) was rolled out in early 1960..."

And now, they're adding 'LITENING' to it! Not bad for an airframe that's over 46 years design young!!.............FRegards

[A.A. Cunningham]

Since these aircraft are so important, and because there are relatively few of them, they are kept far enough back to be somewhat safe from SAMs,

You've obviously never flown a strike mission aboard a Prowler.

[A.A. Cunningham]

I was a Playboy, Det Yankee 4.

[Cold Heat]

As long as they make money, I'm happy. My retirement fund is 100% stock......

Keep up the good work!

[Sergio]

You've obviously never flown a strike mission aboard a Prowler.

No I haven't, but that still does not answer my question. Are high value air assets now being allowed to operate in higher threat environments than in the past (c. 1990)?

[A.A. Cunningham]

I answered your question. You simply failed to comprehend it.

[Sergio]

My apologies if I said something that you found offensive or irrelevant, that was not my intent, my question was sincere and based on real curiosity.

My original question:

That being the case, my question is, does anyone know at what range the targeting pod is effective?

Your answer:

You've obviously never flown a strike mission aboard a Prowler.

My Reply:

No I haven't, but that still does not answer my question. Are high value air assets now being allowed to operate in higher threat environments than in the past.

Your reply:

I answered your question. You simply failed to comprehend it.

Maybe it is beyond my comprehension, but I still can't seem to find an answer to my question about the range on the targeting pod, or if there has been a change in doctrine with regards to the use of EW assets.

Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, but I really would like to know.

Thanks in advance for any information you might be able to provide.

[A.A. Cunningham]

No change in doctrine since the Marines began flying the F3D on strike missions during the Korean War. Don't know what tactics the squids employ or the Air Force in the purple squadrons, for that matter.

As far as the effective range of the pod, you'll have to get that information from another source.

[Sergio]

Thanks for the info A.A. Good to know the Marines take close air support as seriously as they do.