Fri, Jul 11, 2008
System To Be Tested During Empire Challenge 2008 Joint
Exercise
Boeing has integrated network-centric capabilities into two
operational US Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft
for a demonstration at Empire Challenge 2008, a joint military
exercise being held July 7 through August 1 in China Lake, CA. The
modifications were completed in early June, followed by operator
training and a pre-exercise test flight.
The two AWACS aircraft, part of the US Air Force's fleet of 32,
are assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force
Base, OK. The network-centric modifications allow greater use of
AWACS mission data, better access to external Web services data and
an enhanced suite of battle-management tools. All are enabled by
increased processing capability and modern mission-computing
software.
The modifications include the high-speed Tactical Targeting
Network Technology system, which will connect the aircraft to other
assets throughout the airborne battlespace. The aircraft also will
connect with battle managers on the ground through a longer range
Beyond Line-of-Sight system called Inmarsat.
In addition to their standard system display, the AWACS
operators at Empire Challenge will have a second display accessible
from their existing keyboard. This auxiliary display offers
network-access services such as chat, tracking of friendly forces,
Air Tasking Order updates and the status of time-critical
targets.
The display also will show air tracks and weapon-target pairing
using the new Block 40/45 Primary AWACS Display -- giving senior
military leaders and other decision makers a preview of the 40/45
mission system upgrade that is now nearing the end of its System
Development and Demonstration phase for the Air Force. Boeing is
the upgrade's prime integrator.
The AWACS 40/45 upgrade will enable increased mission
effectiveness for the air battle management operators onboard as
they collaborate with airborne fighters and with ground
controllers. This increased capability is one of the key objectives
to be evaluated during Empire Challenge 2008.
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