 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
VMA-214 Makes Aviation Munitions History Aboard Peleliu
Aboard The USS Peleliu (SPX) Nov 11, 2005 It was not the first time that an AV-8B Harrier launched off of the flight deck of an amphibious ship but, it was the first time that Fleet Harriers did it carrying Joint Direct Attack Munitions. JDAMs are special bombs that use global positioning and satellite technology to guide the bomb toward its target, according to Maj. John Rahe, AV-8B Harrier detachment officer-in-charge, Marine Attack Squadron 214 "Black Sheep," Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. This technology allows the bombs to hit their target regardless of weather conditions or light levels, said Rahe. In August, the Black Sheep also made history by becoming the first fleet squadron to drop the JDAMs from a Harrier after the aircraft was modified with a new avionics suite. Rahe and a small detachment of Black Sheep are attached to Marine Medium Helicopter 166 (Reinforced), MCAS Miramar San Diego, which is a part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif. They have been conducting training exercises aboard the U.S.S. Peleliu along with MEU Service Support Group 11, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and the 11th MEU Command Element in preparation for their upcoming deployment this winter. According to Rahe, the Marines have been training with the new system, but this is the first time ever that JDAM's have been deployed off of an amphibious assault ship. According to Aviation Ordnance Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Owens from Dothan, Ala., the pilots were not the only ones making history. This was the first time aviation ordnance sailors had ever built the bombs on board an amphibious ship. The JDAMs are a great addition to the 11th MEU's amphibious arsenal, said Rahe. Capt. Mike Slatt, Harrier pilot and safety officer for the detachment, agreed with Rahe and added that another benefit to the new capability is the safety that it will afford pilots. According to Slatt, pilots can drop the bombs, leave the area and let the technology do the rest. This will greatly reduce the possibility of aircraft getting shot down by enemy fire, and will minimize collateral damage on the ground, he said. "We employed three 1000 pound JDAMs from the Peleliu and all three tracked to the target perfectly," said Slatt. "So far we are hitting targets with pin point accuracy," said Capt. Derek Bibby, Harrier pilot and quality assurance officer for the detachment. "The bombs are going to hit anywhere we tell them to." Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com
Polish Defense Ministry Procures Elisra's EJAB For Its Forces In Iraq
Bene-Berak, Israel (SPX) Jan 09, 2006Elisra Electronic Systems, a member of The Elisra Group, has received an order estimated at $3 million from the Polish Ministry of Defense for its unique EJAB system. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
