OVERVIEW: The AN/AAS-38 NITE (Navigation Infrared Targeting Equipment) Hawk FLIR targeting pod is pod-mounted thermal designation system used primarily by the F/A-18 aircraft to conduct night or all weather attack missions.

DETAILS: The AN/AAS-38 Nite Hawk FLIR targeting pod is used primarily for attack against land targets. It features a thermal imaging FLIR and incorporates an automatic target tracker. While primarily used for ground targets, it is capable of detecting and tracking air targets at up to 100nm range.

NOTES: Entered service in February 1985. Informally known as a "Targeting FLIR." The AAS-38 was the first USN FLIR designed for supersonic operation. The system was also used by Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

SOURCES: Guide to Military Equipment and Civil Aviation. "AN/AAR-50." Accessed October 26, 2014. http://www.deagel.com/Navigation-and-Targeting-Systems/ANAAR-50_a000917001.aspx ; Friedman, Noman The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997-1998, pg. 205-06 ; Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. "AN/AAS-38." Accessed October 26, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/AAS-38 ; Federation Of American Scientists -. "AAS-38A/B Nite Hawk - Smart Weapons." Accessed October 26, 2014. http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/aas-38.htm ; Janes