Which sensors/targeting pods are listed for the FA-18 Hornet?

Which sensors/targeting pods are listed for the FA-18 Hornet?

• A. Litening and ATFLIR
• B. Litening and Sniper
• C. Litening II and Sniper
• D. ATFLIR only

Answer: (A)

Targeting pods give a fighter the ability to acquire, designate, and lase targets for precision weapons. For the F/A-18 Hornet, the two pods most commonly listed are Litening and ATFLIR. The Litening pod provides forward-looking infrared imagery and laser designation, helping identify and mark targets for guided munitions. ATFLIR offers advanced infrared imaging plus laser designation and data linkage with the aircraft’s weapons system, enhancing target discrimination and compatibility with a range of guided bombs and missiles. Together, they represent the standard pairing described for the Hornet in typical references. Litening II is a newer evolution of the Litening family, and the Sniper pod is a different targeting pod used on other platforms, so they aren’t the standard pairing shown for the Hornet in this context.

Targeting pods give a fighter the ability to acquire, designate, and lase targets for precision weapons. For the F/A-18 Hornet, the two pods most commonly listed are Litening and ATFLIR. The Litening pod provides forward-looking infrared imagery and laser designation, helping identify and mark targets for guided munitions. ATFLIR offers advanced infrared imaging plus laser designation and data linkage with the aircraft’s weapons system, enhancing target discrimination and compatibility with a range of guided bombs and missiles. Together, they represent the standard pairing described for the Hornet in typical references.

Litening II is a newer evolution of the Litening family, and the Sniper pod is a different targeting pod used on other platforms, so they aren’t the standard pairing shown for the Hornet in this context.