Air Weapons: July 30, 2005

Archives

The U.S. Navy recently successfully tested an F-18 dropping a JDAM (satellite guided) bomb on a moving target. The JDAM had its guidance system constantly updated via radio (Digital Communications System, or DCS, using standard military commo gear). The target location updates can be obtained from someone on the ground, with a laser range finder capable of automatically sending the bomber location updates, or, as the U.S. Air Force has done, using a special ground scanning radar (on the E-8 JSTARS aircraft), that can track a moving vehicle on the ground. This effort is partly about perfecting the battlefield Internet, and partly about providing warplanes with an important weapon for the war on terror. Its often the case that terrorists are detected while moving, and a guided missile is not always available to do the job. But just about every American bomber going into a combat zone is carrying a JDAM.

X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close