A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Posted on 05/19/2006 2:58:54 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
5/19/2006 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- A B-1B Lancer struck a Taliban-associated compound May 17 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of coalition ground forces conducting operations to detain individuals suspected of terrorist activities.
The bomber responded to an immediate air support request with a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition, destroying the compound from which the Taliban members were attacking. Coalition ground forces reported approximately 15 to 20 Taliban were killed from the air strike.
These individuals were active members of the Taliban network and conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces. Additionally, they conducted attacks against Afghan government officials and are suspected of constructing improvised explosive devices and training other enemy fighters.
This was the first use of a JDAM by a B-1B in a combat environment. The Air Force recently added a new software package to the bomber that allows it to carry and deliver this guided weapon. The JDAM, a 500-pound bomb, is a precision weapon that allows warfighters to focus their strikes and minimize collateral damage.
“With the new software package and this precision weapon, we can target and eliminate the terrorist threat in close quarters,” said Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, deputy Combined Forces Air Component commander for U.S. Central Command. “We’re able to better support our coalition ground forces,” he said “and significantly reduce the possibility of civilian casualties.”
That's the kind of headline that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Am I wrong or does it seem that the B-1 is under utilized in relation the B-52?
Payload capability perhaps?
Tax dollars well spent.
70,000 lbs for the B-52, 75,000 (+ potential 52,000 external) for the B1B. I think they just get tasked differently.
Payload capability perhaps?
Can't be that. B-1 payload is much greater than that of B-52, according to a thread on the subject yesterday (or maybe Wednesday).
Maybe B-1 missions just don't get talked about as much. They're a hell of a lot faster than B-52s, have nap-of-the-earth guidance systems, are smaller. Maybe fewer people see them coming and going.
Perhaps, for when the B 52 is mentioned on page F13 of any local newspaper, those who have experienced it's capabilities "duck and cover"!
No.
Me too, Excuse_My.
Mmmm. I love the smell of J-DAMS in the morning. Hmm. In the evening too, now that I think of it.
God Bless our troops and god bless our technology. Do you think those Taliwackers even knew what hit them?
Cheers - Dinah
Omar" Do you hear anything?"
Mohammed, "No, do you?"
JDAM HITS
BIG BOOM!
SILENCE
24 DEAD TALIBAN.
AMEN!
Well placed synopsis.
Conventionally, the B-52 reign's superior during a nuclear clash the B1 is well suited to perform admirably.
Never give a sucker an even break ;-)
He was the closest to target when the call came in. Luck of the draw I assume.
I love the smell of fried terrorists in the morning!!
From the Reuters news service:
"Sadly, it was reported that several JDAM's went off target and mistakenly took out all nuclear production sites of the peaceful nation of Iran. In addition, one errant JDAM destroyed the house of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who did not survive the blast. U.S. Central Command regrets this unfortunate incident and will perform a thorough investigation.
At a joint press conference, both Minority House Leader Nancy Pelosi and Minority Senate Leader Harry Reid expressed outrage at the accidental bombing, saying that their only consolation was the the facilities that produce the yellow and blue badges that the evil Jews and Christians are required to wear were left intact. At Sen. Reid's request, Rep. John Murtha translated the transcript of the press conference in Spanish to Sen. Reid's staff."
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