For the very first time, an F-16 Preventing Falcon’s Digital Warfare Technique acquired an in-flight computer software update as section of an Innovative Battle Management Program (ABMS) demonstration during a recent exam sortie at Nellis Air Power Base.
An F-16 updated its Mission Knowledge File with details transmitted from hundreds of miles absent making use of an present Over and above Line of Sight F-16 satellite communication method. The airborne F-16 Block 50C was in a position to receive an MDF update from the Hill Program Integration Lab, system it working with custom developed Heart Screen Unit software, and load the new info into the ALQ-213 Countermeasures Signal Processor.
This technological innovation was manufactured attainable working with the F-16 Process Application Office’s organic subject matter matter authorities, the 309th Software program Engineering Team, the 53rd Check Wing, and related companies. This proof-of-idea exam demonstrated the means for a pilot to appropriately correlate a beforehand unknown electronic danger in in the vicinity of real-time.
“The ingenuity and capabilities of the Flight Test and Application Teams enabled a Viper to land with better capabilities than it took off with,” reported Col. Tim Bailey, F-16 Procedure system supervisor, speaking about the prosperous take a look at. “This techno-marvel was done with present techniques in significantly of the Viper fleet, with no hardware mod. required. This is a substantial first action!”
“We imagine this is the 1st time a fighter aircraft has obtained a software package update and acquired new capability all while in flight,” extra Lt. Col. Zachary Probst, a flight examination pilot and commander of the 84th Take a look at and Analysis Squadron. “This is a massive offer. There’s a tactical will need to be capable to promptly update application, especially mission info data files simply because which is what ties into our capability to determine, locate, and defend ourselves in opposition to enemy menace methods.”
What began as a bar-serviette notion — authentic-time application updates to F-16s — is creating into a plan that could just one working day industry across the F-16 fleet. The next stage is to integrate superior-speed world wide web into the F-16 thus making it possible for F-16 pilots accessibility to details from a labeled cloud.
In the end the program’s target is whole ABMS integration into the F-16, which will improve extended-expression relevance of the aircraft and significantly boost capabilities to the warfighter. In addition, it will join and integrate DoD, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. House Power capabilities.
“We are focused on ability progress and proving items,” Probst stated. “We are operating on constructing the ‘highway’. Once we develop the ‘highway’, the risk of locations to go are unlimited.”