Liberty Wing aircrew employs new Sniper targeting pod

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lynne Neveu
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (USAFENS) --  A Liberty Wing aircrew assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron employed a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod on their F-15E Strike Eagle Jan. 7, a flight that marked an evolution in weapons technology.

The F-15E Weapons System Officer can now independently execute satellite-guided weapon attacks on targets. Previously, ground support coordinates were needed.

“The pod has been a long time coming,” said Capt. Sean Lowe, the 494th FS weapon system officer, who tested the pod during the flight. “It enhances the WSO’s skills and the Strike Eagle’s capabilities.”

The Strike Eagle’s “lethal bite” is enhanced by the time the Sniper pod saves from target identification to hit, said Col. Kent Laughbaum, 48th Operations Group commander. Targets rapidly appear then dissipate. The Sniper pod receives target coordinates direct from a satellite and communicates the information to the munition.

During the flight here in England, Capt. Lowe and Capt. Todd Dyer, the 494th FS pilot who flew the mission, tested the Sniper pod’s abilities against stationary and moving targets.

They worked with a team of joint tactical air controllers from the 4th Air Support Operation Group, Heidelberg, Germany, in conditions that simulated what both units would come up against when deployed to Southwest Asia. The controllers are Air Force members who are integrated into an Army unit and provide air control in a combat zone.

“The controllers are probably the most important people to our teams,” Colonel Laughbaum said. “They make sure the aircraft mission is effective.”

The Liberty Warriors of the 494th FS have trained daily for three months with the 4th ASOG team.

Staff Sgt. Raymond Herr, 4th ASOG joint tactical air controller, said he and his four-man team were excited to learn of the opportunity to work with the innovative technology.

“It is similar to when you graduate from a remote-control car that has a cord connecting the car and the controller,” Sergeant Herr said. “The Sniper pod technology cuts that cord.”

“The result of the satellite integration is more precision and speed,” Captain Dyer said.

The Sniper pod received operational clearance one day prior to the flight, said Lt. Col. Daniel DeBree, 494th FS commander.

Additionally, the flight marked the first time an F-15E carried a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition, a 500-pound “smart” munition designed for precision bombing in urban warfare.

“It’s a perfect combination,” Colonel Laughbaum said. “The precision of the Sniper pod with the accuracy of the GBU-38 limits collateral damage and enhances the mission of our aircraft.”

Did the advanced pod meet expectations?

“The Sniper pod met all expectations and its potential has been realized,” Captain Lowe said following the flight. “Even those who were skeptical were impressed with the capabilities of the pod.”

“This squadron in ready to go to war,” Colonel Laughbaum said.