AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod - Display Model

AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod - Display Model

Summary

This project is a scale replica of the AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod, a targeting pod utilized in modern military aviation. The model incorporates a rotatable Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) gimbal, sensor inserts for varied finishing techniques, and a standardized display stand with three nameplate configurations.

Background Information

The AN/AAQ-28 LITENING is the product of a strategic technical partnership between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Northrop Grumman. Developed by Rafael in the early 1990s as the "Litening I" for the Israeli Air Force, the platform’s performance led to a 1995 agreement with Northrop Grumman for further technical refinement and distribution within the United States and allied nations.

Prior to the LITENING, precision targeting often required multiple mission-specific pods. This system consolidated Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), Charged-Coupled Device (CCD-TV), and laser designation into a single, compact housing. This integration resulted in widespread adoption across various airframes:

• United States Armed Forces: Integrated onto the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52H Stratofortress, AV-8B Harrier, and F/A-18D Hornet.
• International Operations: Utilized by sixteen nations, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands.
• Operational Versatility: Beyond fighter-interceptor aircraft, the pod has been adapted for strategic bombers and non-traditional reconnaissance platforms, accumulating several hundred thousand operational flight hours.

Technical Progression The platform has undergone iterative development from the initial LITENING II and ER (Extended Range) variants to the AT (Advanced Targeting) and G4 (Generation 4) models. Key technical advancements include:

• Digital Data Links: Enables real-time coordination between the flight crew and ground-based assets.
• Stabilized Tracking: Automated target acquisition and tracking at high-slant ranges and operational speeds.
• High-Definition Imagery: Dual-band sensors capable of penetrating atmospheric obscurants such as smoke and haze.

Model Features

• Articulated Gimbal: The EO/IR head is designed to pivot, facilitating the demonstration of both "stowed" and "active tracking" orientations.
• Aperture Inserts: Internal optical components are rendered as separate parts to allow for specific color-coding or finishing that mimics genuine sensor coatings.
• Modular: The fuselage is divided into Mid and Aft sections to optimize printing experience and details.
• Surface Detail: Separate latch inserts are utilized to represent the maintenance access hardware on the external panels.

Assembly & Specifications

!!! Please See the Assembly Guide in the Model Page !!!

• Optical Components (Plates 01 & 02): Due to the fine tolerances of the EOIR inserts, a layer height of 0.08mm to 0.12mm is recommended to preserve circularity.
• Fuselage Sections (Plates 03 & 04): These components are oriented vertically to minimize layer-line distortion and ensure a uniform cylindrical profile.
• Display Stand (Plates 07–10): Includes the mounting cradle and three distinct nameplate options featuring varied text densities and layouts.

Disclaimer

This model is a personal hobby project based entirely on publicly available imagery and general information; no proprietary, sensitive, or classified technical data was used in its creation. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any defense organization, manufacturer, or the creator's professional or academic work. This is a static, non-functional scale model intended solely for display and educational purposes. It is not a weapon and cannot be made to function as one.