AN/ASQ-228

AN/ASQ-228
Name	AN/ASQ-228
Caption	LANTIRN targeting pod on F-15E
Origin	United States
Type	Targeting pod
Used by	United States Air Force, United States Navy, Saudi Arabia, Israel
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Introduced	1980s
Weight	~?
Length	~?
Crew	n/a

AN/ASQ-228 is a targeting and navigation pod developed for precision attack, night interdiction, and close air support missions. The system integrates forward-looking infrared, laser designation, and navigation sensors to support strike aircraft during operations over theaters such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was developed by contractors linked to Lockheed Corporation, Martin Marietta, and later Lockheed Martin for use by platforms including the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, and Panavia Tornado.

Development and Design

The program began in response to requirements from the United States Air Force and United States Navy to improve night and adverse-weather strike capability after evaluations during Vietnam War lessons and conflicts such as the Yom Kippur War. Initial development involved teams from General Electric, Texas Instruments, and subcontractors serving under prime contractors like Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta; government oversight included offices within the Department of Defense and test support from bases such as Nellis Air Force Base and Eglin Air Force Base. Design goals emphasized integration with avionics suites used on aircraft by manufacturers such as McDonnell Douglas, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, ensuring compatibility with weapons from Raytheon, Alliant Techsystems (ATK), and Northrop.

Technical Description

The pod combines a mid-wave infrared Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor, a laser designator/rangefinder, and navigation sensors tied to inertial navigation systems like those produced by Honeywell and data links used by platforms from General Dynamics and Sikorsky. Optical stabilization and cooling components trace technology lineages to work by Raytheon and Hughes Aircraft Company, and the electro-optical suite supports targeting of ordnance such as those manufactured by Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics. Interfaces conform to avionics standards influenced by programs at Rome Laboratory and Armament Directorate testing protocols at Eglin Air Force Base. The pod’s laser operates within parameters consistent with designation systems used by Paveway family munitions developed by Texas Instruments and Raytheon.

Operational History

Fielding occurred during the 1980s and saw extensive use in conflicts where coalition air forces led by United States Air Force and Royal Air Force conducted precision strike campaigns such as Gulf War operations from bases like Al Udeid Air Base and Prince Sultan Air Base. Combat evaluations involved units from wings such as 388th Fighter Wing and 492d Fighter Squadron, with testing and tactics developed through facilities including Nellis Air Force Base and exercises with NATO partners like Royal Australian Air Force and German Air Force. The pod’s capabilities were refined following feedback from engagements in Somalia, Kosovo, and later campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, and upgrades tracked evolving requirements from organizations including Air Combat Command and USCENTCOM.

Variants and Upgrades

Manufacturers introduced incremental improvements—sensor upgrades, electronics miniaturization, and enhanced laser performance—paralleling advances in programs by Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Thales Group. Block upgrades aligned with avionics standards informed by Joint Strike Fighter program lessons and interoperability studies with NATO partners such as France and Italy. Some variants added datalink compatibility similar to systems from Harris Corporation and Rockwell Collins to enable integration with command-and-control nodes like AWACS platforms operated by United States Air Force and allied services.

Operators and Platforms

Primary operators included units within the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and partner air arms such as the Royal Saudi Air Force and Israeli Air Force. Compatible aircraft comprised strike and multirole types including F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II modifications, and export platforms operated by nations like United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Maintenance and logistics were supported by depots connected to Tinker Air Force Base and contractor facilities run by Lockheed Martin and subcontractors in cooperation with agencies such as Defense Logistics Agency.

Combat Use and Effectiveness

In combat, the pod enabled laser-guided weapon delivery against point targets in dense urban environments and contested airspaces like those encountered during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, permitting strikes coordinated with assets including B-52 Stratofortress and AC-130 Spectre Gunship in support of joint operations directed by CENTCOM. Analyses by organizations such as RAND Corporation and reports from units including the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing documented improvements in sortie effectiveness, reduced collateral damage when used with precision munitions from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and mission success rates validated in after-action reviews at commands like Air Combat Command.

Category:Targeting pods