Lockheed Martin's Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) has achieved operational flight status on the B-52 bomber.

With the addition of the B-52, Sniper ATP is the only targeting pod operational across six U.S. Air Force fighter and bomber aircraft platforms. Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force completed Sniper ATP B-52 site activation at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

"Achieving operational flight status of the Sniper ATP on the B-52 delivers the pod's flexibility and advanced capabilities to additional warfighters," said Ken Fuhr, director of fixed wing programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Sniper integration will provide aircrews with critical long-range, positive target identification and video datalink capability, along with an updated software suite that streamlines the targeting process and improves crew safety."

The Sniper ATP provides pilots high-resolution imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Sniper ATP detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser designates small tactical targets at long ranges. It also supports employment of all laser- and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets. A video datalink enables pilots to share real-time video with troops on the ground for improved situational awareness and rapid target coordination.

The Sniper ATP is interoperable across multiple platforms, including U.S. Air Force and multinational F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence. The Malcolm Baldrige Award represents the highest honor that can be awarded to American companies for achievement in leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, measurement, analysis, workforce excellence, operations and business results.