U.S. Air Force F-15Cs have demonstrated the ability to securely communicate with other aircraft and ground stations using a Boeing-developed networking system, the company announced Monday.
The sharing of information took place during recent test flights at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., using Talon HATE airborne pods.
The pods enabled the F-15C pilots to share information through the military's Link 16, Common Data Link and Wideband Global SATCOM satellites.
Boeing said that in addition the tests validated intra-flight datalink network capabilities used by F-22 aircraft.
"We've completed developmental flight test," Lt. Col. Christopher Bradley, Air Force Talon HATE manager, said in a press release. "We look forward to fielding this system, not only to immediately provide aircrews with actionable information faster and at a higher quality, but also to help the Air Force learn important lessons for the employment of tactical gateway systems in the future."
"This aerial network is a giant leap forward in tactical fighter capability with real-time connectivity and expanded information sharing," said Paul Geery, vice president of Phantom Works Mission Solutions and Boeing's Talon HATE program manager. "We are now demonstrating secure datalink connections between F-15Cs and F-22s in a way that integrates information for the pilot into a common operating picture."
Boeing said additional tests on the system using advanced sensors for improved aircraft targeting will be held later his year.
Israel orders satellite-on-the-go for military vehicles
Israel's Ministry of Defense has contracted with Elbit Systems Ltd to provide its satellite-on-the-move systems for land vehicles, the company announced Monday.
The contract is for two years, Elbit said, and put the number of systems to be supplied in the "dozens." The value of the deal was not announced
"The SOTM contract is an important milestone in our military communication a … read more
