US Navy,
NAVAIR Patuxent River, MD: NAVAIR’s S-3B Viking program, working with Lockheed Martin Missile Systems in Orlando, Fla, delivered an enhanced targeting system using advanced infrared sensors, electro-optics and lasers in early October for an operational demonstration in theater.
Different than the original LANTIRN capability, first introduced on the F-14 Tomcat and subsequently integrated onto the Viking aircraft in early 2007, LANTIRN ER, is an extended range upgrade that provides aviators with an improved picture of the battle space assisting in the war on terror.
“This is a fantastic accomplishment by an exceptional team,” said Capt. Joe Rixey, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager. “We not only provided the Fleet with a product that will advance their mission; but we got it to them quickly.”
Maintainers should enjoy not having to modify the aircraft to accept the new capability, according to program officials.
“With the Viking’s recently installed LANTIRN modification; the ER version’s plug-and-play functionality brings additional capability to any platform quickly without the need to modify the aircraft,” said Cmdr. Terry Johnson, Viking program lead.
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A fleet S-3B comes aboard a carrier with a LANTIRN pod installed. (Official U.S. Navy photograph)
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Viking squadron VS-31 “Topcats,” based out of Jacksonville, Fla., was the first unit to install LANTIRN ER, successfully completing the necessary aircraft operational checks in four days before delivering the pods to the USS Enterprise. The VS-32 “Maulers” squadron is currently demonstrating the pods’ extended range capability in the operational environment.
“With the great help from the Lockheed team, we were able to send this capability straight to the Fleet,” Johnson added. “They supported us 100 percent.”
“The team did a great job at executing the task. LANTIRN ER is a shining example of Viking innovation to support the troops on the ground,” he added. “The LANTIRN ER pods are readily transferable to other LANTIRN-equipped platforms requiring the same capability, making it a versatile war fighting tool.”
