174th Attack Wing testing out these 3 different pods at Exercise Northern Edge

The 174th Attack Wing is bringing three different pods to Alaska for testing during Exercise Northern Edge.

An MQ-9 Reaper with three Ghost Reaper pods attached awaits takeoff at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, New York. Ghost Reaper pods will establish new and enhanced capabilities for the MQ-9 reaper. The pods will undergo operational assessments during Exercise Northern Edge in Fairbanks, Alaska. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Fowler)

These are the Freedom Pod, Centerline Avionics Bay (CAB) Pod, and the REAP Pod.

The REAP or Rosetta Echo Advanced Payloads is an airborne communications payload that can extend the communications range of airborne platforms by acting as a relay. It can also transmit data to the surface using the Tactical Targeting Network Terminal (TTNT).

The Freedom Pod from Northrop Grumman will allow F-22s to share its Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL) data link with the F-35 and fourth generation fighters using its gatewayONE system inside the pod. A report by Aviation Week last year pointed out that the Freedom Pod has an infrared search and track sensor as well.

Exercise Northern Edge is now taking place at Eielson Air Force Base from May 3-14.

For more information, hit the Source below

Source