B-1b with two new sensors in new refueling vid

Some of you may have seen this already. But a new video floating around on the tube has caught the attention of many of us. I wanted to bring this over here to see what the experts of the Aviation Forum make of it. We have a circular array atop of the cockpit and a SNIPER pod-esque apparatus underneath and starboard of the forward gear. I've yet to see a bone with these.

Watch here:


ETA: www.youtube.com... embed seems to not be working.

Whatever these are they are active as the vid is a combat fuel over Iraq for Inherent Resolve.



I have a theory but I'd like to hear yours!

Any guesses?

a reply to: aholic
Looks like a camera device to me. At least that is my first impression.

www.acc.af.mil...


Sniper ATP-SE makes operational debut with Dyess bombers. A B-1 Bomber from the 9th Bomb Squadron conducts its first sortie while employing the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement modification April 15, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Significantly enhancing a B-1s targeting capability, the new Sniper-SE pod provides aircrew with an even greater capability via new enhanced sensors, a two-way data link, advanced processors and automated non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance modes.

a reply to: aholic

The bottom one is a SNIPER pod. They've been carrying them for years now.

The top is a communications antenna. Possibly preparing for the AEHF changeover.

A surface to air missile defence system.

a reply to: Zaphod58

A few more...



Yes, what we have here is a SNIPER XR, previously known as LANTIRN II. This squadron (39th?) just saw some deep upgrades.

What I'm most curious about is what's on top.

....and what the two have to do with each other.

a reply to: aholic

Communications antenna, as I said. Sensors on top would be useless as they'd only be able to see up. It's either a new SATCOM or AEHF antenna.

They don't necessarily have anything to do with each other. SNIPER is removable so all its gear is built in. This may be an aircraft that just came out of PDM and had the new antenna mounted already, as well as the updated SNIPER mounts.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Knowing the capabilities of the Advanced SNIPER might tell you why it would be nice to have a broadband uplink on site.

a reply to: aholic

Sure it would, but not everything that can carry it can support having a connection mounted permanently. Which is one reason its built into the pod.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Right or another reason to put in on the bone. Everything is being turned into a surveillance truck these days. There has been more video streamed in Operation IR alone than in both GULFS combined.

So I've heard.

a reply to: aholic

It's a BLOS antenna for the new FIDL system being put on board.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Yup that should do it.

a reply to: aholic

The first aircraft arrived at Dyess in January with the system installed.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Just in time to talk to its new cousin.

It looks like they were installed before then.

This Aviationist article has an image where you can see something there on the aircraft. It's from September last year. You can see something there in the top left and both bottom images. Not sure if it's just the old Sniper pod though.

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

It is. They've been mounted for a few years now. Even the BUFFs carry them now.

The top mounted antenna MAY be for anti GPS jamming not the FIDL link. The Navy uses an antenna for that that appears to be similar, but I've only found pics on a desk, not mounted on an aircraft.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: aholic

It's a BLOS antenna for the new FIDL system being put on board.

Hey Zaph. Howz about some plain English the first time for us non-aero types. Thanks.

a reply to: SonofaSkunk

The B-1 fleet is being fitted with a Fully Integrated Data Link that includes a Beyond Line Of Sight capability.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Ok. Gotcha now. Thanks!

the top looks like SATCOM to me