e:\doc\web\99\01\b1b.txt The B-1 and B-2 can only deliver GPS based smart weapons. Theyhave absolutely no laser capability, nor are there any plans toinstall pods. Same with the B-52.I can't figure why they can't spend the money to put on a B-1or B-2 what they stick on a F-117 or F-15E. Must be philosiphythat only fighter bombers can deliver laser bombs or somethingstupid like thatBTW, when the F-111s were plinking tanks, is there any reasonwhy you couldn't load up a B-52 with a dozen of these thingsflying with an F-111 and drop a series of these things, and notbe limited to the payload of a fighter?BTW2, has there been any official documentation of the conventialALCM, or was Desert Storm the first public announcement?Too bad they got rid of the GLCMs, those would work well fromSaudi Arabia as well.In article <19981218195213.10770.00001319@ng20.aol.com>, groves64@aol.com (Groves64) wrote:> I seriously doubt that they are not smart weapon capable. Spending nearly some> 8+ years on making the Bone to conventional and nuclear, I think the USAF would> want her fastest strategic bomber to do all that it can. > > >Heard on the news the Lancers were actually used. For the first time> >ever, to drop iron bombs. Does that mean they work now? I assume the> >Lancer is not smart weapon capable?> > Justice has many sacrifices, are you ready to make them?> -Joe Bob> Author: David E. Powell Email: David_Powell3006@email.msn.com Date: 1998/12/19 Forums: sci.military.naval more headers author profile view thread -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The B-1B can definitelycarry the ALCM. Originally it was designed to do so with the Nuclear Version in mind, and though hardpoints were reduced and the weapons kept in bays to comply with a treaty, the B-1 till can do it. However, I believe it was picked for this for speed, capacity, and stealthiness relative to the B-52, plus I suppose they figured that they might as well use them, a decision not made in Desert Storm. As for the B-2s, I wonder if they have done anything - they were discussed as an option in the Serbia standoff recently. As for LGBs, I am sure that if a pod can be fitted to allow F-14s to drop them, the B-1 can carry them too. PS I saw a while back on the Discovery Channel that low level saturation iron bombing was something the B-1 pilots train for regularly, so... Author: Charles Prael Email: cprael@lts.com Date: 1998/12/22 Forums: sci.military.naval more headers author profile view thread -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another possibility is JDAM/JSOW. Both are GPS guided weapons, so no need for laser target designation. I believe that the B-1 can carry the air launched cruise missile and can use JDAM (joint direct attack munition) capable bombs, which are GPS guided. If this is correct, they should be able to hit Saddam's mirror while he'sshaving. Author: Renegade Email: renegade@nospam.interacs.com Date: 1998/12/22 Forums: sci.military.naval more headers author profile view thread -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a web page at Ellsworth AFB on B-1B Block D conversions, note that the JDAM capability is scheduled to be operational Apr 99 http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/~ogweb/block_d.htm Renegade renegade@interacs.com "When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before. " - Mae West (1892-1980) Block D and the B-1 Capability Enhancement: Provides the B-1B the capability to carry 24 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) - 8 per bay Global Positioning System (GPS) capability added - for both aircraft and weapon navigation Upgraded Communications Package Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS) capable Required Changes to B-1B: GPS Kits added to aircraft Incorporate MIL-STD-1760 Interface - a standard smart weapon interface Thousands and thousands of lines of software changed Many avionics changes including communications upgrades Status of Upgrade: First Block D jet delivered to Ellsworth AFB, SD in October 1998 Initial operational capability in April 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEGRATE JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITION (JDAM) JDAM is a tailkit that turns a 2000lb dumb bomb (aka MK-84) into a GPS aided INS guided NEAR PRECISION weapon The B-1B carries two variants of the bomb MK-84 general purpose bomb & the BLU-109 penetrator bomb The JDAM is carried on the B-1Bs Multi-Purpose Rotary Launcher (MPRL) The B-1B can carry one launcher in each of the three bays And 8 JDAMs per launcher for a total of 24 JDAMs per aircraft -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCORPORATE MIL-STD-1760 INTERFACE This interface is a standard 'Smart' Weapons Interface connector This 'connector' allows the aircraft to communicate with the JDAM weapon, and make it easier (cheaper) to add weapons in the future to the B-1B (such as the WCMD, JSOW, JASSM and any other weapons that the AF decides to add to the B-1B) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEGRATE A GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) The B-1B is upgraded so that the aircraft can navigate by the GPS satellite system The GPS also allows for the JDAMs to fly to their targets more accurately -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPGRADE COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGE The B-1B has updated anti-jam radios that will allow for more secure communications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCORPORATE AIR FORCE MISSION SUPPORT SYSTEM The B-1B Mission Planning System is comprised of the Air Force's Mission Support System (AFMSS) hardware and core software and a B-1B specific Aircraft/Weapon/Electronic (A/W/E) module. AFMSS consists of computer-based tools to help USAF aircrews conduct effective and timely pre-mission planning, materials preparation, and post-mission review for air training, exercise, and combat operations. The B-1B A/W/E module, when integrated with AFMSS, will enable the user to plan and validate missions, and produce mission materials for the B-1B. AFMSS is under development by Lockheed Sanders, Nashua, NH. The B-1B A/W/E is under development by Logicon, San Pedro, CA. Both contracts are managed by the Electronic Systems Center (ESC/YV), Hanscom AFB, MA. BACK to BLOCK D Homepage Facts and Graphics for this page were taken from http://www.b1b.wpafb.af.mil/pages/block_d/block_d.html Air-Force] Digest (12/18 18:00) (#1998-102) more options Author: VNIS Email: comments@services.vnis.com Date: 1998/12/19 Forums: soc.veterans author profile view thread -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message segment 2 of 9 - Get Previous / Next Segment - Get All 9 Segments Cohen said the broadcast stations were targeted because they are part of Saddam Hussein's command-and-control system for communicating with his forces. The oil refinery, he said, is the site of "illegal oil shipments" from Iraq. Also struck, the briefers said, were 19 facilities involved with research and development and production of weapons of mass destruction, primarily missiles. The hit list also included five airfields that housed helicopters and unmanned aircraft that could deliver chemical or biological weapons. For the second night, targets included barracks for special Republican Guards who were responsible for guarding weapons of mass destruction and keeping such arms away from United Nations weapons inspectors, the briefers said. They added that they had no casualty figures or estimates for people in headquarters buildings attacked. The briefers also said allied air forces have been "especially wary of mobile surface-to-air missiles, but so far there have been no reports of SAM firings." "We've conducted a very large number of air strikes," Shelton said. "They have the appropriate number of support aircraft with them. All these pilots are flying in harm's way." Air Force B-52 Stratofortress pilots delivered air-launched cruise missiles carrying 2,000-pound warheads, some of which struck targets in Baghdad. These were just some of more than 75 sites hit in the third night of sorties flown by U.S. and British forces. More than a decade after their heralded introduction into the Air Force inventory, B-1B Lancers made an impressive combat debut Dec. 18, dropping 500-pound bombs onto targets in Iraq. Among the aviators were B-1 aircrews assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., and Dyess AFB, Texas. With damage assessments still coming in, joint staff officials offered no opinion of the bombers' effectiveness. However, they praised the aircraft's entry into the fray. "The B-1 brings a large capability to the fight," said one official, "a lot of iron bombs." 981972. Ellsworth, Dyess launch B-1Bs to Southwest Asia ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFPN) -- One B-1B from the 28th Bomb Wing here departed for Southwest Asia early Dec. 18 to support the president's request for additional bomber forces in the Operation Desert Fox theater of operation. The 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, also launched a B-1B Dec. 18. This brings the total number of B-1Bs in theater to six -- three from Ellsworth and three from Dyess. "Our launch today was a demonstration of another tremendous Team Ellsworth effort," said Col. Tony Przybyslawski, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "As we always do for global power missions, we launched a second aircraft as a spare in case the primary aircraft has problems during the flight. At some point, the second aircraft will return to Ellsworth." B-1Bs from both bases saw their first combat action in air raids over Iraq Dec. 17, according to Przybyslawski. Details on the number of B-1Bs used and battle damage assessment information is not being released; however, the colonel characterized the missions as "very successful." "This is a proud day for those of us in the B-1B community as we finally have an opportunity to show the American public the muscle the B-1B brings to the fight," he added. 981968. Air Combat Command ready for Desert Fox LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- About 60 aircraft and 2,200 Air Combat Command people are set to depart for Southwest Asia, announced ACC officials. Operation Desert Fox marks the second time the Air Force is sending air expeditionary forces to support a crisis response force. The AEF will bolster Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps forces already in the area. Message segment 2 of 9 - Get Previous / Next Segment - Get All 9 Segments