The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency recently wrapped up testing a new way to speed up air-to-ground coordination between an A-10 pilot and a joint terminal attack controller, with the JTAC calling in airstrikes by tapping a tablet. DARPA installed its Persistent Close Air Support prototype system on an A-10 at Nellis AFB, Nev., which flew 50 successful sorties this year. During the tests, the JTAC used a tablet computer to direct airstrikes, including a mix of laser- and GPS-guided munitions. Software connected to an onboard targeting system with a datalink connecting the pilot to the JTAC, DARPA said in a release. The system is aimed at improving the ability to share real-time situational awareness and weapons systems data, helping the team use smaller munitions to hit multiple or moving targets, according to DARPA.
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…
