
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):
Tu-160 has one too.
to me it resembles the glass sensor cover on the chin of the F35…?
Sniper pod is on the lower edge of the right side of the airframe between the nose landing gear and forward weapons bay. If memory serves it is a satcom antenna they are talking about
Looks like the same antenna that is on USMC Ospreys out of Camp Lejeune in this picture.
http://media.dma.mil/2015/Mar/17/2001024357/-1/-1/0/150312-M-GB581-104.JPG
A really big fog light?