Lockheed Martin, under contract with the U.S. Air force to design, manufacture, and supply 12 high-performance targeting systems, recently delivered the first machine. A full production unit, the AN/AAQ-39 targeting system will be used on the AC-130U Gunship of the Special Operations Command in U.S. Air Force.
Designed to offer a lucid conflict zone representation, the Q-39 is an lectro-optical/ infrared sensor for fire control. Its high-definition image stabilization and extended range facilitate, accurate long distant, combat identification, enabling the pilot to attack targets before being spotted.
Q-39 is an improved version of Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2), a proven sensor technology for combating. Like the GMS2, it has a midwave infrared sensor with a large aperture, a near-infrared laser pointer, and two television cameras. Additional features include a three-color laser designator and enhanced software that provide reliable and improved system performance. The highly stabilized turret that holds these components ensures precise line-of-sight pointing and excellent image quality for gunfire control.
Lockheed Martin will complete the deliveries in 2011. In the past, the company has provided fielded aircraft solutions, such as the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, Target Sight System, and Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor, the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and the Army, respectively.
Source: http://www.lockheedmartin.com