Pilot and RIO roles with LANTIRN?

[Donut]

What are the pilot and RIO roles in regards to operation of the LANTIRN pod? Can the RIO control the camera? Can only the pilot actually drop a bomb, etc?

[Swordsman422]

From what I understand, the RIO controls all functions of the LTS. It's his job to find and designate the target and help get the pilot set up on a delivery profile. The pilot's job is to get the jet pointed in the right direction and pickle off the bomb on cue, then make sure he doesn't block the laser with any part of the airplane.

[RaceFuel85]

From what I understand, the RIO controls all functions of the LTS. It's his job to find and designate the target and help get the pilot set up on a delivery profile. The pilot's job is to get the jet pointed in the right direction and pickle off the bomb on cue, then make sure he doesn't block the laser with any part of the airplane.

 

Yep,

 

That's it..no more complicated than that.

[Donut]

From what I understand, the RIO controls all functions of the LTS. It's his job to find and designate the target and help get the pilot set up on a delivery profile. The pilot's job is to get the jet pointed in the right direction and pickle off the bomb on cue, then make sure he doesn't block the laser with any part of the airplane.

 

Thank you for the great explanation! I am glad to see that each has a significant role in using the LANTIRN and bombing.

[VampireNZ]

Lets hope the pilots operates a little better than a particular wepons drop we did in the P-3 a few years back...

 

PIC - "On profile, on speed, running in...weapons away...NOW. Status Lights..No drop no drop, we are going to need the hung store checklist.."

Flight Engineer(me) - Aaah, I think that was the AP disconnect button you pressed Sir.."

PIC - Uh, oh yea.

Flight Engineer - "Would you like me to write up a fault when we get back..'no weapons release on AP disconnect'?..:-)"

PIC - Shut up.

 

Good times.