To: Darksheare
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/missiles/jdam/jdam_back.htm Boeing says that JDAMS has GPS guidance, therefore it's all weather. That doesn't mean that the guidance will forever be free from interference, FWIW.
Near the bottom of the link, they mention the intention to provide with terminal guidance, which I believe has already been done with a receiver that detects laser illumination, IIRC.
They expect to be able to fly over storm systems at 30,000 feet and provide close air support.
65 posted on
02/01/2004 1:28:21 PM PST by
neverdem
(Xin loi min oi)
To: neverdem
*snicker*
And when they need to nail a fast moving enemy formation, how good will the GPS fix be then.
Terminal guidance is only good if the target can be seen and it's gps co-ords plotted to provide the fix.
Artillery, if you know the guy is somewhere in the area bounded by 'x' and 'y' on the map, you flatten everything inside it.
But, the push to have technology replace guys on the ground moves on and always will.
JDams may be nice, but the Air Force will still want 24 hour prenotice of targets, and still won't be able to take off in certain weather over the airbases.
(I'm not one for purposefully limiting ourselves. Yes, certain situations are hypothetical, but you never know when you'll be caught up short.)
67 posted on
02/01/2004 1:38:37 PM PST by
Darksheare
(The voices in YOUR head are talking to ME!)
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