Test officials at Edwards AFB, Calif., have wrapped initial testing of the Sniper targeting pod on a B-1B bomber, expressing optimism that the results could point toward full integration. Maj. Joshua Lane, chief of standardization and evaluation with the 419th Flight Test Squadron, explained that the B-1B with its large and diverse weapon payload capability is an obvious choice for the new targeting pod, which provides a 360-degreee sensor view for positive target identification. The initial testing showed that the pod, which was attached to the left hand chin on existing mounting points, did not disrupt air flow, meaning weapons released cleanly. More testing is in store, but Lane said, “The initial demonstration was very successful and shows promise for full integration onto the B-1 bomber.”
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.