Philip Smart | Adelaide
A ground based British Forward Air Controller has guided an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter digitally for the first time, using a Rockwell Collins FireStorm targeting system.
The FireStorm is a system that allows ground based users to generate close-air-support or artillery call-for-fire messages.
Once selected, it automatically populates them with all relevant target information, including range, azimuth, height and location, fed to the incoming aircraft or artillery battery.
In its standard package, this FireStorm system consists of a laser range finder, tactical PC, video downlink receiver, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Mobile networked joint fires digital targeting software, associated ancillaries, power management system and handheld azimuth augmentation unit.
The flight test was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, California, F-35 Lightning II flight test facility in coordination with the integrated project team from the U.K. F-35 Office.
“The FAC approached the test from a practical standpoint and was able to use the system under simulated tactical conditions,” said Tommy Dodson, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins.
“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.”