Launch the Litening Pod!

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA499638 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Launch the LITENING pod This phrase is usually said in jest and refers to how commanders view the capability of this device rather than the aircraft to which the pod is attached. Though originally conceived as a targeting and navigation device, the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ISR capabilities of the LITENING Advanced Targeting AT pod have become invaluable for the Marine air ground task force MAGTF. The only Marine airframes that are currently fitted to use the LITENING pod are jet aircraft, which are expensive to operate, have limited time on station, and have already been pushed closer to the end of their service life than planned since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. Given the current environment, FA-18D squadrons should be augmented with the OV-6B, a T-6B Texan II fitted with a LITENING pod. The OV-6B is a low-cost, low-maintenance aircraft that can provide for many of the same missions as the FA-18D. It already has nearly all of the avionics and instrumentation needed to use the LITENING pod, is easily integrated, and has a MAGTF-supportive time on station. Overall, the OV-6B is a cost-effective and capable aircraft that would ease the strain on the FA-18D. Despite the lack of firepower, this aircraft can still provide a critical service to the MAGTF.

Author(s):
Fausett, Brian M.
Author Organization(s):
MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Supplementary Note:
EWS Contemporary Issues Paper.
Pagination:
0014

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USMC/CSC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_2.2.2_Imagery Collection; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct
Modernization Areas:
5G; Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*TRAINING AIRCRAFT, *MODIFICATION, *OBSERVATION AIRCRAFT, *TARGETING, *MULTIMISSION, *MARINE CORPS AIRCRAFT, *RECONNAISSANCE, SHORT TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT, TELEVISION CAMERAS, PRECISION BOMBING, SURVEILLANCE, FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS, AIR STRIKES, LASER TARGET DESIGNATORS, TURBOPROP ENGINES, LOW COSTS, INTELLIGENCE, FORWARD LOOKING INFRARED SYSTEMS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, Training Aircraft, Optical Detection and Detectors, Target Direction, Range and Position Finding
Keyword(s):
*LITENING PODS, *OV 6B AIRCRAFT, LITENING ADVANCED TARGETING PODS, MAGTF(MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE), PRECISION STRIKES, ISR(INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE), F A 18D AIRCRAFT, T 6B AIRCRAFT, FACA(FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER AIRBORNE), STRIKE COORDINATION
Report Date:
2008 Feb 19
Creation Date:
2009 Jun 17