Rockwell's FireStorm used to guide F-35 Lightning II
A UK Forward Air Controller (FAC) has successfully used Rockwell Collins' FireStorm integrated targeting system to guide an F-35 Lightning II, the company announced on 21 April.
This marked the first time that a certified FAC used a digitally aided system for guiding an F-35 on a close air support flight test. The FAC used a complete air strike mission thread in both a ground test and live flight.
The test took place at the F-35 Lightning II flight test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in coordination with the integrated project team from the UK F-35 Office.
The FireStorm targeting system is a modular Joint Fires system that provides digital connectivity with various coalition aircraft, field artillery systems and command-and-control centre battle managers.
Tommy Dodson, vice president and general manager of surface solutions, Rockwell Collins, said: 'The FAC approached the test from a practical standpoint and was able to use the system under simulated tactical conditions.
'The test was also significant because FireStorm is currently fielded by the British Army, and has now been proven to be interoperable with the F-35.'
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
