9 BS adds sniper pods to B-1s

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — A sniper advanced targeting pod connects to the under carriage of a B-1 Bomber Feb. 24 in the Three Bay Hanger here. The sniper pod is a long-range precision targeting system that supports the precision strike mission by providing positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air-to-ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)

9 BS adds sniper pods to B-1s

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Danny Berumen, Boeing Company employee, rewires a B-1 Bomber to be fitted with a sniper advanced targeting pod Feb. 24 at building 5020 here. The sniper pod is a long-range precision targeting system that supports the precision strike mission by providing positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air-to-ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)

9 BS adds sniper pods to B-1s

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Danny Berumen, Boeing Company employee, reads a B-1 Bomber technical manual Feb. 24 at building 5020 here. The sniper advanced targeting pod is a long-range precision targeting system that supports the precision strike mission by providing positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air-to-ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)

9 BS adds sniper pods to B-1s

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Lori Adams, Boeing Company employee, works on the inside of a B-1 Bomber Feb. 24 located at building 5020 here. The sniper advanced targeting pod is a long-range precision targeting system that supports the precision strike mission by providing positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air-to-ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)

Can't hide from a B-1

Published March 2, 2011
By Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Since November of last year, Airmen from the 7th Maintenance Group have been working around the clock to install video targeting pods normally employed on F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons to B-1 Bombers.

"The B-1 combined with the sniper pod is a perfect match," said Master Sgt. Jon Looper, 7th Maintenance Group wing avionics manager. "We are now able to deliver an unprecedented level of payload with precision never seen before."

The Air Force has been developing the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod since 2007 as a response to Air Forces Central Command's Urgent Need Request. The system has been operational since 2008.

Maintainers from the 7 MXG adapted the Sniper ATP to the B-1 by installing an external pylon, and using an existing on-board computer to control the pod and provide video to the crew on board.

Before the new sniper pod was adapted to the B-1, crews would use high-resolution radar, which worked well for bombing buildings, but made it difficult to see a lot of "soft" images.

The new system allows aircrews to look ahead with long-range video and see what is happening on the ground. It is a stabilized image and allows them to use a laser beam to target and engage in real time. It also allows aircrews to give their own bomb damage assessment and report back immediately on whether they hit their target or not.

In addition, the targeting pod allows the operator to see behind the aircraft for a 360-degree
sensor view, except for regions blocked by aircraft engines.

"B-1s are the only bomber that have been fully integrated with the new system and have been operating in theater, making the B-1 the Air Force's bomber of choice," said Sergeant Looper.

Designed, developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the Sniper ATP also has streaming capability, which means B-1 operators can downlink the video captured by the pod and allow personnel on the ground to see exactly what the bomber crew saw.

The targeting pod also improves target identification. Instead of relying on radar to identify a target, aircrew and commanders can have eyes on the target, allowing them to know for sure the target being fired upon is the correct one.

"The sniper pod helps the B-1 provide close air support for ground troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," Sergeant Looper said. "The new system uses video to help identify between friendly and enemy forces, and gives pinpoint coordinates of enemy targets, making close-air-support missions more effective than ever before."

The sniper pod has also proven itself to be "maintenance friendly" for the maintainers here.

The Sniper ATP has a revolutionary optical bed design, optimal partitioning and diagnostic capabilities that permit true two-level maintenance, eliminating costly intermediate-level support. An automated built-in test permits a maintainer to isolate and replace parts in under 20 minutes to get the pod operational.

The B-1 is the fourth Air Force aircraft to use the Sniper ATP in theater along with the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II. The system is also being integrated on the B-52 Stratofortress.