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.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…