Technology transforms cockpit view of Iraq

[unhappycamper]

A technician prepares a Navy F/A-18 to launch from the aircraft carrier Truman in the Persian Gulf. U.S. pilots now fly over Iraq with a new generation of technology that connects them to individuals on the battlefield in a way they could have never before imagined.


Technology transforms cockpit view of Iraq
By Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 3, 2008 6:39:06 EDT

ABOARD THE USS HARRY S. TRUMAN — Lt. Shawn Hall spends his days thousands of feet above Iraq in his F/A-18 fighter jet, dropping GPS-guided bombs in support of American troops on the ground.

He also can watch Iraqis playing soccer 15,000 feet below.

A new generation of technology is allowing U.S. pilots — like those who conducted airstrikes on Shiite militiamen in Basra in recent days — to connect with soldiers on the battlefield with far greater speed and precision.

The combination of advanced infrared cameras inside U.S. warplanes and the ability to stream that video to ground forces is seen as a major improvement in helping coordinate attacks — from identifying insurgents to trying to avoid civilian casualties that have brought U.S. forces at odds with Iraqi allies.

“You almost feel like Big Brother in the sky, kind of looking down on these people as they go about their day-to-day lives,” said Hall, speaking aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman in the Persian Gulf after returning from a recent mission to Iraq.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/ap_airsupport_040208/

[sam sarrha]

1. that way they can make sure it is wedding they are bombing