Posted on 02/26/2007 10:38:48 AM PST by BenLurkin
EDWARDS AFB - The 419th Flight Test Squadron recently completed its initial developmental testing of a Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer. The pod, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp., is an advanced targeting pod with multi-sensor capability and allows the operator to positively identify targets.
Currently, the B-1 cannot positively identify targets without additional aids such as other aircraft or personnel on the ground, said Maj. Jacque Joffrion, 419th Squadron B-1 flight commander and experimental test pilot.
The pod increases the aircraft's self-targeting capability, he said.
"The positive target identification capability of the targeting pod is what enhances reconnaissance and weapon employment for the B-1," said Maj. Joshua Lane, 419th Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation and experimental test weapon system officer. "In addition, the targeting pod allows the operator to see behind the aircraft for a 360-degree sensor view."
The B-1 provides a good platform for using the Sniper pod because of its unique capabilities, Lane said. The B-1 carries the largest and most diverse weapon payload of any U.S. aircraft and can also loiter for extended lengths of time providing a persistent presence to the battlefield.
The aircraft's combination of long loitering, positive target identification and large payload gives fighters a unique asset to better support the war effort, he said.
During the testing, the pod was attached to the left-hand chin of the aircraft using existing mounting points, Joffrion said. The external attach points were initially designed to allow the B-1 to carry cruise missiles externally. These hard points were modified to attach the targeting pod through a pylon assembly.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
Don't give Apple's lawyers any ideas!
The B-1B is still one of the most potent startegic weapons this country has and in the world. And to think Jimmah thought it was enough of a failure to cancel the program. Thank God for President Reagan.
Bump that!
Here is a good photo of it with the Sniper pod, but it is WAY too big to post.
http://www.edwards.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/070223-F-9999Z-001.jpg
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