Grand Bay adds new moving target system

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

8/23/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody's Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range recently made an addition to their field to enhance training capabilities.

Grand Bay now offers the opportunity for our A-10C pilots to acquire proficiency in delivering their payload to a moving target on a 1,000 foot track. The target is remotely operated by a control tower. The operator can move the target back and forth with a flick of the wrist.

"Having the target system will provide the pilots with the training they will need to prepare them for their deployments without having to travel to other bases," said John Bishop, range coordinator. "It will also give these pilots very good practice since the moving targets simulate real life scenarios."

With the addition of the new target system, A-10C thunderbolt pilots will no longer have to be sent to other locations to complete their training prior to deploying.

"The new addition was a $175,000 project, but will end up saving millions for the base since we won't have to incur traveling expenses," said Perry Tillman, range manager. "We are trying to get the most out of this range by adding anything we can to help our units train for missions."

Along with A-10C pilots, the range will also provide an additional training venue for other Moody members, such as security forces.

"This new system is an excellent training tool for other members on base," said Mr. Bishop. "This is an excellent opportunity for our Airmen because it saves them a couple of months of training away from home since it can be done here."

The range is one of two on the east coast that the A-10s can practice and complete their training. It is located east of Moody in the Lanier and Lowndes counties.

Source

Associated pictures:



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An A-10C Thunderbolt II shows its munitions capability while in-flight during a training exercise here March 16, 2010. The moving target at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range is stationed on a 1,000-foot track and is remotely-controlled. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An A-10C Thunderbolt II launches flares during a training exercise here March 16, 2010. The Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range showcases a new moving target system that allows aircraft to fire at a more realistic object. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

Note: Another known picture of this archived photo sequence was already posted by me on my blog:



8/16/2010 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II returns to flight formation after exercising evasive maneuvering techniques during training here March 16, 2010. Moody A-10Cs will provide close air support to U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy forces during the three-week Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise in Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

Note: This archived picture (not released before) is also part of the photo news release. It shows A-10C 79-0157 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2.