Drifterdon Posted September 8, 2020 Share Posted September 8, 2020 Does anyone know what the black semi-circle marking is on the bottom of the B-1B in front of landing gear/between engine intakes? I've tried to do a search of the interweb and ARC and come up with nothing. And do all Bones have this marking? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted September 8, 2020 Share Posted September 8, 2020 You might not get an answer on this one...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cueva533 Posted September 8, 2020 Share Posted September 8, 2020 Well, if I was to make an educated guess, I would say that they are debrey from the gear being cycled up after take off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hooker169 Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 There are 4 “antenna” in that area, it seems the black semi circle corresponds with the direction of orientation. I suspect Habu may be right on this one😉 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 With all the upgrades the Bone is getting, I think Habu might be right. I'm guessing they will all eventually get whatever this upgrade is. Thanks for the pics Hooker. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 It is not a new upgrade but there is nothing to be seen here, move along..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hooker169 Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 I got an answer for you Don. This is a quote from ex-Bone avionics guy. “We think the antenna is part of the block 16 upgrades that replace the APQ 164 forward looking radar with SABR-GS which is just a much more capable synthetic aperture radar and integrates with the mapping and sensor operation. Just makes it more capable as far as situational awareness in the cockpit.” He also mentioned the black is a RAM coating associated with the SABR-GS. All this is mentioned in the following article. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsnorthrop-introduces-new-sabr-gs-aesa-radar-for-usafs-b-1b-bomber-4572465/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted September 11, 2020 Author Share Posted September 11, 2020 Cool. Thanks for the update and link Hooker. Much appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 (edited) SABR is in the nose behind the radome. The “black semi-circle” predates SABR by decades.... . Edited September 11, 2020 by habu2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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