Breaking news
First Air Strike with GBU-12 Against ISIL in Iraq for French Navy ATL2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
| 2015
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image: A French Navy ATL2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fires a GBU-12 Paveway
II laser-guided bomb during qualification trials. Picture: J.Pons©Marine
Nationale |
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The
French Navy didn't provide details but the Mirage 2000 probably laser
designated the target to the GBU-12 dropped by the ATL2 eventough the
French MPA can now self
designate its own bombs thanks to the Wescam MX-20D electro-optical
turret. Not all ATL2 are fitted with this gimbal however (only ATL2 Standard
V aircraft). While stike missions are a new thing for the French ATL2, they've been deployed on theater since the beginning of Operation Chammal and prove to be valuable assets for ISTAR (Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) missions. They also act as forward air control for aircraft on theater. |
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