What happens when you put a sniper on a bomber?

[tigershark]

What happens when you put a sniper on a bomber?
by Ed White
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

8/27/2008 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When you combine a sniper pod with the awesome loitering capabilities, weapons selection and accuracy of a B1 bomber, you get an enhanced ability for the Air Force to directly support ground troops - with bombers.

"The Sniper is a sensor pod that is attached to the aircraft. It allows the air crew and the JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) on the ground to see the same picture and accurately target enemy operators, structures and vehicles."

Captain Wright and his JTACs, all recent combat veterans with experience on the system, trained the bomber crew on how to work with JTACs over a period of several week. The JTACs belong to Air Combat Command and are stationed with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

"All our administrative support comes from Peterson(AFB) for this effort," said Captain Wright. "We live and work and hang out with the Army, but when we need something from the Air Force side, we go to Peterson to get it."

Why put this equipment on a bomber?

"With their extended range," said Staff Sgt John Campbell, "bombers can hang out on station for much more time than a fighter. The bomber has a bigger payload and can carry a wide variety of munitions.

(The Sniper pod) gives us a great advantage any time we have troops in contact situations. We can "cover down" protecting our troops on the ground, and with the Sniper pod we can mitigate collateral damage," he said.

Captain Wright added, "What they are looking at is a picture that can zoom in from twenty thousand feet and can identify buildings, vehicles -- and to a limited extent -- people.

Full article and source
http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123112588