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
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
