The age of computer models and network simulations is enabling the Air Force and Navy to “save” their high demand/low density and aging airframes from direct participation in exercises such as Northern Edge 2006. USAF E-3 AWACS and E-8 Joint STARS and Navy EP-3 Aries aircraft are participating in the Alaskan exercise via cyberspace. Helping provide the “feel” of a large air campaign are airmen of the 505th Distributed Warfare Group, based at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The unit’s Distributed Mission Operations Center is working with Pacific Air Forces air operations center at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and marks the first time US Pacific Command has utilized a DMOC in joint training.
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.
