Of the eight experiments being tested at this year’s JEFX, Air Force Special Operations Command has one that it hopes will enable special operations forces to wear computers and communications that will keep them in touch and aid mission management. The system, known as SWIPE, uses existing wireless technology to provide enhancements to four components—special ops tactical network, the remote sensor iridium, the geographic suitability assessment tool, and the command and control mission manager. The four packages will be combined and tested in a Windows-based secure network during JEFX, according to Luis Tirado, the JEFX program manager for AFSOC.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
