Submitted by TEAM Public Affairs, Patuxent River

The AV-8B Harrier’swar fighting capabilities got a big boost with the addition of the Litening II Targeting Pod (TGP).

The Harrierreceived its first LITENING II TGP in August 2000. The pod brings air-to-ground laser target designation capability to the Harrieras well as enhanced day and night target acquisition, improved low-level night flight and air-to-air capabilities.

The LITENING II pod provides a high-energy, small-divergence, uniform and stable laser beam that can be used to mark targets for conventional weapons deliveries or to designate targets for laser guided munitions. The pod is scheduled to immediately go through test and evaluation at China Lake, Calif., and be rapidly infused into the fleet.

Training for ground and aircrews will begin immediately upon the LITENING II pod’s introduction to the Fleet Marine Force. Priority for the first pods will go to those Harrier detachments going aboard ship in support of the Marine Expeditionary Units. This added capability greatly enhances the war fighting capabilities of the Marine Corps.