Posted on 06/19/2006 4:02:38 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Israeli-made targeting pod used to kill al Zarqawi
Rafaels Litening system marks the target, guides the ordinance with lasers, and evaluates damage.
Amnon Barzilai 18 Jun 06 10:37
Abu Musab al Zarqawi, al-Qaidas top terrorist in Iraq, was killed with help of Israeli target acquisition technology fitted onto a US Air Force F-16. Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. supplies Litening advanced airborne infrared targeting and navigation pod to Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), which installs them on combat jets under a cooperation agreement. The Israel Air Force also uses the Litening. According to a report by senior US Air Force officers, al Zarqawi was killed by a pair of USAF F-16s on a routine mission in central Iraq, when the decision to act was taken. USAF commander in Iraq, Lt.-Gen. Gary North said the fighters carried a variety of laser and GPS-guided ordinance and the Litening pod.
The Litening pod has target-acquisition capability, laser spot detection and tracking and a video camera. For the Zarqawi strike, the pilot activated the system from 20,000 feet, guided a 250kg. bomb to its target, and then used pods video camera to examine the resulting damage. A second bomb was then dropped, which killed al Zarqawi.
In a media briefing, senior USAF officers mentioned Litenings role in locating the target. Aviation Week said that the pod was Northrop Grummans but did not mention that the technology was Israeli, developed at Rafael.
Oy Vey!!!!!!
I wonder if they informed him of this just before he checked out?
SWEET! Payback and revenge are sweet, when served cold.
Amazing how karma seems to work things out.
Too bad the bomb was polished with bacon grease before the mission.
Poetic Justice! Gotta love it!
!!
> Too bad the bomb was polished with bacon grease before the mission.
...a special present sent Special Delivery from the Great Santa!
But it was only the most kosher bacon.
Shoo you forgot the the Little Santa which sent the Litening!!
I think Halal is more appropriate!!
Knowing THAT coupled with his knowing that it was the Americans who wasted him...
What a fitting way to go! Mad as Hell on is way to Hell...YEAH!
When it comes to choosing up sides, I am really glad the Israelis are on our side.
Dear Israel,
Thanks!
A fan from Virginia
Sweeeeeeeet...
"But it was only the most kosher bacon."
Fakin Bacon
"But it was only the most kosher bacon."
Fakin Bacon
Should probably be called a "zpod".
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.