A technology assessment meant to improve combat identification technology is underway now at Nellis AFB, Nev., and Ft. Irwin, Calif. US Joint Forces Command designated USAF as lead for the joint service and multinational Bold Quest 2007, which JFCOM has slated to test a variety of efforts all designed to help reduce friendly fire incidents, reports Army Spc. Andrew Orillion. Among technologies being demonstrated is Northrop Grumman’s recently modified LITENING Advanced Targeting pod, which company VP Mike Lennon says now has “the longest detection and identification ranges of any targeting pod.” The exercise runs through Sept. 19.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
