Launch the Litening Pod!
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, F/A-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 F/A-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 F/A-18D. Despite the lack of firepower, this aircraft can still provide a critical service to the MAGTF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA499638
Entities
People
- Brian M. Fausett
Organizations
- Marine Corps University