Posted on 11/12/2010 8:37:37 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The last 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancer received the necessary modifications to operate the Sniper advanced targeting pod Oct. 18.
The advanced targeting pod acts as a long-range camera, which can pinpoint targets for precision strikes and close-air-support missions.
"It's hard to imagine doing close-air support without it," said Capt. William Louie, the 34th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer. "The sniper pod and the B-1 go together very well, especially with the expanded mission of the bomber."
Since its combat debut in 2008, the Sniper pod has become an invaluable tool in assisting coalition servicemembers on the ground in hostile areas, Captain Louie said. Its ability to provide a live video feed to ground forces has saved their lives on numerous occasions.
"It's changed the way we fight the war," Captain Louie said. "The Sniper pod is an after-market add-on that allows us to improve our CAS training and operations."
First requested in July 2006, the Sniper pod expanded the B-1's role downrange by enabling weapons systems officers to positively identify targets, self-generate coordinates, provide coalition forces with remote video feeds and employ laser-guided weapons. These capabilities, coupled with the long loiter time of the B-1 and the intense training of its aircrew members, make for an invaluable asset in the current theater of operations.
"The training we go through lessens the pain of the actual first mission," Captain Louie said. "We develop a muscle memory through training that enables us to function perfectly when things heat up and lives are on the line."
(Excerpt) Read more at defencetalk.com ...
B1 Bob. Robert Kenneth “Bob” Dornan is a Republican and former member of the United States House of Representatives from California. A vocal advocate of pro-life and social conservative causes.
May God bless Bob, without whom many goodly things would not be. Not the least of which is the exceptionally fine B1.
Raben
Ditto
From the articl: “The B-1’s Sniper pod has revolutionized bomber operations,” Colonel Eldridge said. “For an aircraft that was developed to deliver nuclear weapons from low altitude to now perform close-air support as a primary mission is mind blowing. The Sniper pod and B-1 combination are saving lives right now in Afghanistan.”
***That doesn’t seem so mind blowing to me, it seems like an obvious path to take.
We need more Bob Dornans on the floor of the house.
Don't worry, we have Loretta Sanchez on the job. Nothing says Democrat better than a Liberal Hispanic Bigot. Just ask Associate Justice Sotomayor.
I must be missing something.
B-1. STILL looking for a mission for the B-1, and 'close air support' with a 'sniper pod' is being used to justify keeping this lemon around?
How is 'close air support' with a bomber mind-blowing? And how does it even make sense? Can it loiter? Is the B-1's on-station time long enough to provide the support to a developing ground scenario? Is it reasonably low-profile enough not to have every target duck and cover when it's in the area?
Just wondering . . .
The creed of the Bone crew is BOTOTCHA: Bombs On Target, On Time, Come Home Alive.
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