Released: Jan 12, 1998
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) - Two B-52 bombers from Minot AFB, N.D., participated in an exercise with the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System's E-8C aircraft recently.
The exercise marked the first time the bombers used the Handheld Terminal Unit, part of the Joint STARS technology. Joint STARS scanned the exercise area over Fort Stewart, Ga., and repeatedly tasked the bombers to attack various targets using the HTU, which provides real-time targeting data to aircrews, according to Maj. Ron Funk, 93rd Operations Support Squadron exercise and readiness flight commander.
Two Joint STARS people were sent to Minot prior to the exercise to test the connectivity of the HTU and to train the bomber crews to use the system.
"The HTU was easily compatible with the B-52's system," said Senior Master Sgt. Rick Ojeda, 93rd Air Control Wing deputy chief of wing plans. "The test went very smooth and the B-52 crews were enthusiastic to learn about the HTU."
The purpose of the integration is to continue the development of the tactics, techniques and procedures for airborne alert interdiction and Joint STARS attack support operations, Funk said.
This integration enhances worldwide bomber projection of decisive airpower in the initial stage of conflicts by providing near-real-time targeting information. Joint STARS can also provide information on moving and stationary ground targets, and is essential in developing an understanding of the enemy situation to delay, disrupt and destroy their momentum.
In short, with Joint STARS and bomber integration, "decisive airpower, anytime, anywhere" becomes "decisive airpower, at the right place, at the right time," according to Funk.
"The ability to interact directly and plan missions with the bomber crews provides a valuable training opportunity for the B-52 and E-8 aircrews," Funk said. "It allows us to put a face to the voice in the other cockpit and gives us a chance to discuss before and after the mission what worked, what didn't, and what we can change in order to do it better and more effectively."
"Both units will take away lessons learned from these flights and incorporate them into concepts of operations for future missions," said Capt. Robert Umstead, a pilot instructor at the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot.
"We fully intend to share lessons learned throughout the bomber community to standardize future bomber employments with Joint STARS." (Courtesy ACC News Service)