The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-33) is Lockheed Martin's U.S.-made externally mounted electro-optical targeting pod for fighter and bomber aircraft. Official sources describe it as a lightweight system with high-definition EO/IR imaging, laser designation, and two-way video support for air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting.
Commons image pages and Air Force reporting show Sniper pods mounted on multiple aircraft, including the B-1B and F-15E.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
| B-1B Lancer | Bomber platform | A U.S. Air Force photo page shows the pod hanging from a B-1B Lancer after a mission in Southwest Asia, confirming carriage on the bomber. |
| F-15E Strike Eagle | Strike fighter | A U.S. Air Force photo page shows a F-15E with Sniper pod during a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, confirming carriage on the strike fighter. Sources: Commons F-15E with Sniper pod |
Exact model: AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). Sniper pods have been used on U.S. and allied combat aircraft for target detection, designation, CAS, and surveillance; public sources specifically discuss Afghanistan combat use and broader overseas contingency operations.
Timeline
Lockheed Martin announced that the U.S. Air Force chose Sniper XR as the winner of the Advanced Targeting Pod competition, beginning the pod's major production run.
Sources: USAF Selects Lockheed Martin for $843 Million Advanced Targeting POD Contract
Lockheed Martin said Sniper ATP had achieved operational flight status on the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber, extending the pod across bomber operations.
Sources: Sniper ATP B-52 Operational Flight Status
Lockheed Martin marked delivery of the 1,000th Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod at its Orlando facility.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers 1,000th Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
