A Northrop Grumman-led industry team with Lockheed Martin and L-3 Communications has tested a unique application of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for high-bandwidth communications. Northrop officials say that the technology breakthrough demonstrated with the F-22 fighter’s AN/APG-77 radar aperture and a common data link modem emulator mean Northrop’s AESA and L-3’s CDL modem can transmit both communication and imagery data at two to four times the standard modem speed. They say the capability directly supports emerging non-traditional ISR efforts, especially efforts to have the F-22 and F-35 transmit and receive large, uncompressed data packages and images within seconds.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…