EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has completed testing a B-1B bomber equipped with sensors that allow the crew to positively identify ground targets.
The tests took place recently at Edwards Air Force Base using a B-1 equipped with the Sniper pod to see if it will increase the ability of the aircraft to seek out targets without the assistance of other aircraft or spotters on the ground.
"The testing was an integrated demonstration designed to provide a proof of concept pod for the B-1," said Maj. Josh Lane of the 419th Flight Test Squadron. "The initial demonstration was very successful and shows promise for full integration onto the B-1 bomber."
Fitting the Lockheed Martin Sniper pod to the underside of the B-1 would enhance the capability of the aircraft, which already has a long range and the capability to drop most of the ordnance in the Air Force inventory. The Air Force said Wednesday that the bomber, which was designed to carry nuclear weapons, currently gives U.S. commanders heavy-duty loitering presence above the battlefield.
Currently, however, the B-1 relies on independent assets to positively identify targets before it can begin its bomb run. The Sniper, which is used on smaller attack planes, would enable to the crew to take a closer look at the target on its own.
The Air Force said the pod was attached to the test plane using existing mounting points on the chin and on the fuselage where externally mounted cruise missiles are generally carried. Minimal new wiring was required internally, and the operator requires only a hand controller and a laptop computer to maneuver the pod.
