Thu, Jan 30, 2003
Boeing Demonstrates Advanced Technology on Super Hornet
Platform
Boeing has demonstrated a breakthrough in close
air support capability by transmitting digital imagery with
targeting information between warfighters on the ground and in the
air.
The demonstration included an F/A-18F Super Hornet and a forward
air controller communicating over existing radio links. The
demonstration, which took place at Naval Air Station Fallon (NV),
is another example of the leading role Boeing has taken developing
network-centric warfighting capabilities.
In the demonstration, a forward air controller, equipped with
the advanced close air support system, or ACASS, provided rough
target coordinates to the pilot of the F/A-18. The pilot used the
Boeing Gateway to Airborne Tactical Data Exchange avionics system
to capture a sensor image of the target, and transmit the image
back to the controller for target confirmation. Newly developed
ACASS software enabled the controller to view the image, annotate
it with critical information and transmit it back to the pilot to
complete the air strike. This information exchange ensures that
both the warfighter on the ground and in the air share a common
picture of the target.
"What this demonstration really boils down to is improved
situational awareness; the timely, accurate exchange of information
and greatly enhanced target identification," said Tony Parasida,
vice president and general manager the Boeing F/A-18 program.
"Today's warfighting environment requires up-to-the minute
information that is seamlessly exchanged among a number of
platforms, people and sites. This demonstration further reinforces
the Super Hornet's position as the U.S. Navy's workhorse in the
network centric warfare environment."
Boeing plans to conduct additional testing in 2003
to further demonstrate the Super Hornet's ability to share
targeting imagery among multiple aircraft.
The tactical sensor used in this demonstration to generate high
quality imagery was a training version of Raytheon's AGM-65H/K
Maverick missile. In production, the imagery function will be
performed by Raytheon's Advanced Tactical Forward Looking Infrared
sensor.
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