Warplanes: May 4, 2003

Archives

The B-1B was so successful over Iraq, flying 432 sorties and dropping 2,250 tons of bombs, that several upgrades are being proposed. 

@ Most important is a fully automated data link system, which would allow targeting data sent directly to the aircraft's targeting system. Over Iraq, targeting information (the GPS coordinates) were sent verbally. To insure there were no mistakes, all four crewmen wrote down the numbers, and then compared the information with each other to insure there were no errors. Then the coordinates were typed into the targeting system (which sent the data to the JDAMs being dropped.)

@ Replace the current ground surveillance radar (which can only distinguish objects at least ten feet long) with the radar used on the F-16 (that can pick out items as small as one foot large.) 

@ Replace the current electronic countermeasures (that never really worked well) with a cheaper, more effective, system. One suggestion is to use the system currently carried by the Navy F-18.

@ Install the Litening II targeting pod, which is already carried by B-52s. This would allow the B-1B to use the longer range JSAM (Joint Standoff Attack Missile), which the B-1B can carry twelve of externally. This would be in addition to the 24 JDAMs carried internally on the three rotary bomb racks. 

@ Build bomb racks that would allow the B-1B to carry the 250 pound JDAM. This would allow the aircraft to carry up to 144 250 pound bombs. 

@ Upgrade the targeting system so the smaller (250 pound) bombs could hit moving targets (especially vehicles moving in convoys.)

 


Article Archive

Warplanes: Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 


X

ad
0
20

Help Keep Us Soaring

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month.

Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage. A contribution is not a donation that you can deduct at tax time, but a form of crowdfunding. We store none of your information when you contribute..
Subscribe   Contribute   Close