Firestorm targeting system digitally guides F-35 aircraft
NewsApril 24, 2015
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. A United Kingdom Forward Air Controller (FAC) utilized the FireStorm Integrated Targeting System from Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, digitally guided a F-35 Lightning II aircraft using a complete air strike mission thread as part of a ground test and live flight.
The flight test was performed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., F-35 Lightning II flight test facility and incoordination 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,” says 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.”
FireStorm is a lightweight and modular Joint Fires system that enables digital connectivity with nearly all coalition aircraft, field artillery systems, and command-and-control center battle managers. Its systems are used by five NATO countries.
