The Rafael Litening Targeting Pod is an advanced electro-optical and infrared targeting pod system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel.
The Litening pod is designed to enhance the targeting capabilities of military aircraft across various missions, including close air support, reconnaissance, surveillance, and air interdiction.
It boasts high-resolution sensors, such as a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, ensuring clear target imagery day or night and in adverse weather conditions.
The Litening pod is equipped with a laser designator for accurately marking targets for laser-guided munitions, enabling precision strikes against ground targets such as vehicles, structures, and enemy positions.
It enables real-time target acquisition, tracking, and designation, allowing pilots to identify and engage targets swiftly and accurately while minimizing collateral damage.
The Litening pod is compatible with a wide range of aircraft platforms, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can be easily integrated into existing avionics systems.
The system provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness by offering stabilized, zoomable video feeds of the target area, enabling better decision-making and mission effectiveness.
Certain Litening pod variants include data link capabilities, enabling real-time transmission of target imagery and crucial information to ground stations or other aircraft, facilitating coordinated operations.
The Litening targeting pod is globally utilized and has a proven record of success in diverse missions, including counterinsurgency operations and precision airstrikes.
Rafael regularly upgrades the Litening pod with advanced technologies to meet evolving threats, ensuring it stays a top targeting solution for modern combat aircraft