
Although it may seem just another B-1 refueling video, this footage shows something different.
The following footage was shot on Feb. 12, over Iraq.
It shows a B-1B “Lancer” (or “Bone”) taking fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
There are several such videos available online but this one caught our attention as it seems to show something different: the B-1, operating from Al Udeid airbase, in Qatar, has at least one new circle-shaped dorsal sensor (most probably an antenna) on the upper fuselage past of the cockpit area.
The same sensor doesn’t seem to be present on B-1s featured by similar footage, perhaps a sign that 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Bones currently deployed in theater have received some kind of upgrade including the new antenna.
Does anyone have a clue when was the new sensor was installed and, above all, what it is?
Here’s the image that clearly shows the antenna (highlight mine, credit: U.S. Air Force):
DirectTV receiver? :)
I’ve been wondering about the pod sticking out from underneath. LANTIRN or something similar?
Sniper TGP
I’m betting they updated their GPS.
JU88’s had something similar. It’s obviously for contacting moon nazis.
Almost identical to the new GPS antenna on the RAAF Hornets: https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10960162_458605090958227_7110998274448881245_o.jpg
I’d agree with everyone else, from the positioning of it on the top of the aircraft, pretty much the only thing it could communicate with are satellites.