Tel Aviv: The latest version of the Rafael’s best-selling targeting pod – the Litening with a SAR radar has played a major role in the recent US – Israeli attacks in Iran.
The Litening SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an advanced airborne targeting pod upgrade. It integrates a high-performance SAR sensor alongside multi-spectral electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. This addition enables day, night, and all-weather stand-off targeting, overcoming traditional cloud cover limitations.
By using SAR technology, the carrying of the upgraded version allows the pilot of a fighter aircraft to pierce clouds and map targets when optical sensors are blinded. The SAR scans large strips of enemy territory at safe standoff ranges and calculates exact target coordinates for GPS/INS and laser-guided munitions.
The new upgraded pod combines SAR data with mid-wave infrared (MWIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and high-definition colour cameras.
According to Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael, the new version of the Litening enables automated target tracking and wide-area scan modes that streamlines target detection.
Steinitz added that the new version of the best-selling targeting pod allows jets to acquire targets from greater distances outside immediate threat rings.
The Litening targeting pod is used by 28 air forces and branches of the US military globally. Major clients include the US Air Force, US Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and the air forces of Israel, Germany, India, Australia, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and the UK.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
