{{Short description|Military aircraft targeting pod}} [[File:US Navy 041113-N-5837R-018 Photographer's Mate 1st Class John Yoder, left, and Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Julian Olivari, install an AN-ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod on an F-A-18F Super Hor.jpg|thumb|AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pod on an F/A-18 Super Hornet.]] thumb|F-4 Phantom shown from an ATFLIR Targeting Pod The '''AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR)''' is a multi-sensor, electro-optical targeting pod incorporating thermographic camera, low-light television camera, target laser rangefinder/laser designator, and laser spot tracker developed and manufactured by Raytheon. It is used to provide navigation and targeting for military aircraft in adverse weather and using precision-guided munitions such as laser-guided bombs. It is intended to replace the earlier AN/AAS-38 Nite Hawk pod in US Navy service.
ATFLIR is {{convert|72|in|cm|abbr=on}} long, weighs {{convert|420|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, and has a slant range of {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=on}}, said to be useful at altitude of up to {{convert|50,000|ft|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) |url=https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/atflir |publisher=Raytheon Technologies |access-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613161524/https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/atflir |archive-date=13 June 2022}}</ref> It has fewer parts than many previous systems, which is intended to improve serviceability (although early examples, in service with VFA-115 'Eagles' in 2003 experienced problems). Crews indicate that it offers much greater target resolution and image accuracy than previous systems.
ATFLIR presently is used by the US Navy on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the earlier F/A-18C/D and with Marine Corps F/A-18Cs when they would deploy onboard aircraft carriers. It is normally carried on one of the fuselage hardpoints otherwise used for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. 410 pods were delivered to the U.S. Navy. Pods have also been delivered to Switzerland and Australia (for its EA-18G Growler fleet), and six pods will be delivered to Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Defense Dept. Contracts for Dec. 19, 2012 |url=http://www.huntingtonnews.net/51993 |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=Huntington News |date=20 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729210859/http://www.huntingtonnews.net/51993 |archive-date=29 July 2023}}</ref>
The US Navy is considering options to either improve or replace ATFLIR because of current hardware readiness state and sustainment costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/us-navy-looks-to-replace-or-improve-f/a-18e/f-eo/ir-targeting-pods/133971.article|title=US Navy looks to replace or improve F/A-18E/F EO/IR targeting pods|date=19 August 2019|first=Garrett|last=Reim|website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> As of 2024, flight tests of the AN/AAQ-28 LITENING pod to replace the ASQ-28 had concluded successfully.<ref>{{Citation |url= https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/11/03/the-initial-flight-tests-of-the-new-litening-pods-that-will-equip-the-u-s-navys-f-a-18-super-hornet-have-concluded/ |title= The initial flight tests of the new LITENING pods that will equip the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet have concluded |date= November 3, 2024 |access-date= June 1, 2025 |website= ZonaMilitar}}</ref>
In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "''AN/ASQ-228''" designation represents the 228th design of an Army-Navy airborne electronic device for special combination equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name all Department of Defense electronic systems.
==See also== {{Portal|Electronics|Aviation}} *List of military electronics of the United States
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20220613161524/https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/atflir ''Raytheon Technologies'' - Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) (archived)] {{Raytheon}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR}} Category:Raytheon Company products Category:Targeting pods Category:Military electronics of the United States Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s
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