  |
|
F-22 demonstrates sensor data transfer to ground stations
JEFX is an Air Force Chief of Staff-sponsored experiment that combines real-world air and ground forces, simulation, and technology insertions into a warfighting environment. The experiment is an annual venue for innovative command and control (C2) and targeting technologies. Numerous Army, Navy, and Air Force aircraft as well as ground forces participated in JEFX 08. During this two-week experiment, two specially configured F-22s transmitted real-time sensor information to ground stations at Nellis AFB and Langley AFB in Virginia. using an experimental version of the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) waveform developed by Rockwell Collins. An F-22 data link test configuration flew in realistic scenarios that highlighted the Raptor's significant non-traditional intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) capabilities. "Lockheed Martin was excited about the Air Force's decision to demonstrate the value of sharing F-22 ISR data with other fighters and back to the Combined Air Operations Center," said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company executive vice president and F-22 general programme manager. Not only did the F-22s share sensor data with ground-based users, the aircraft were also tactical network members among other air and ground platforms. "Our F-22s took a huge first step toward becoming net-enabled in JEFX08. The pilots were sending and receiving information such as command and control messaging, imagery, airspace updates, and free text messages using a cockpit touch-screen colour display," said Mark Jefferson, director of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Horizontal Integration. "They stayed pretty busy conducting offensive counter air and destruction of enemy air defences air dominance missions as well as dynamic targeting attacks with F-16s and non-traditional ISR collection events during the exercise, while also simultaneously piping classified sensor data to the CAOC." A modified Lockheed Martin F-16 also conducted numerous close air support and interdiction missions, sharing tactical information with other JEFX08 Initiatives, including the US Navy's Maritime Ops centre and the Army's Future Combat System. "This was a cost-effective opportunity to explore numerous areas of future interest while leveraging Lockheed Martin's extensive independent research and development efforts," said Lawson. These areas include F-22 networking requirements, assessment of Internet Protocol (IP) based waveforms on 5th generation aircraft, IP-based network application development and multi-level security issues. The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin teamed with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney.
REF XQQAS XQQAR XQQIE XQQTY
|
|
Two F-22 Raptors sent classified sensor data to ground stations in the US Air Force's Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 (JEFX 08) conducted in Aprilat Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.