The U.S. Air Force declared initial operational capability (IOC) for Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod - Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) and has now deployed the system to support combat operations in theater.

An enhanced configuration of Sniper ATP, Sniper ATP-SE provides U.S. Air Force strike fighter and bomber aircraft with advanced modes for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; improved combat identification; expanded air-to-air and maritime capability; and two-way data link communication. Lockheed Martin won the U.S. Air Force's ATP-SE competition in 2010. "The path to IOC involved collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force to complete a two-year, six-platform ATP-SE test program," said Ken Fuhr, director of fixed wing programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"Lockheed Martin also manufactured more than 100 Sniper ATP-SE pods and successfully trained squadrons to operate and maintain the system. This significant achievement enables the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard to deploy Sniper ATP-SE worldwide on the A-10C, B-1, F-15E and F-16 Blocks 30, 40 and 50 for increased performance and situational awareness."

Sniper ATP-SE is also equipped with Net-T capability, which enables a point-to-multipoint networking architecture. When used with other platforms, it gives operators and analysts access to real-time data beyond their line of sight. B-1 bombers at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, were the first operational aircraft to deploy with Sniper ATP-SE.