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 Department of the Air Force has identified 50 programs that will make up the core of its contribution to the Pentagon’s joint all-domain command and control effort, branding them part of the “DAF Battle Network,” according to newly-released budget documents. The DAF Battle Network programs span multiple offices and agencies…