Net-centric weather integration (NCWI) is one of the leading initiatives being tested during the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006 at Nellis AFB, Nev. The Air Force Weather Agency wants to demonstrate the delivery of critical, time sensitive weather information to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center through Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT)—an Internet-based high speed network. With NCWI, weather is fully integrated into CAOC processes and allows heads-up weather information for operators, said Maj. Dean Carter, the senior weather officer for JEFX 06.
A top Pentagon tech official called on industry this week to help the military develop “lighter, more efficient” directed energy weapons designed to go on aircraft and conduct special operations missions or down drones—areas where the Air Force’s directed energy efforts have been quiet as of late.