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Lockheed Martin demonstrates first supersonic call on F-16
September 6, 1999 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
On Aug. 27 at 10:41 a. m., the collective efforts of Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, AlliedSignal Inc., Iridium LLC and Sensor Systems Inc. brought an exciting new technology to flight for the first time in a high-performance tactical fighter.
Lockheed Martin F-16 test pilots, Steve Barter and Troy Pennington, lifted off in their F-16 with the ability to communicate with anybody, anywhere on the face of the globe.
During their flight, which originated a LMTAS in Fort Worth, Barter and Pennington successfully demonstrated the feasibility of employing an Iridium-based commercial-off-the-shelf communication system, the AIRSAT 1, on the F-16. The significance of the event goes beyond the simple phone call used in the demonstration; this capability could open the door for use of commercial satellites for a variety of military applications for data and voice exchange. Successful two-way communication between the aircraft and the LMTAS Flight Operations Center was established and maintained in conditions ranging from taxi/takeoff to 1. 6 Mach at 42, 000 feet. This was the first supersonic test of Iridium and the AIRSAT.
The demonstration also included satellite communication during basic flight maneuvers and a series of climbs, dives, rolls and turns. Voice calls were made to and from the aircraft to the telephone in the LMTAS Flight Operations Center and from an Iridium handset. As a result of this joint effort, the known operational envelope and platform applicability of Iridium-based systems has been greatly expanded. "As a pilot, I am very excited about being able to use the latest in commercial technology for the world's primary front-line fighter, " Barter said." The SATCOM provides the capability to receive updated target, threat and weather information at greatly extended ranges, which give the pilot time to assess the situation and plan his attack. "
This demonstration is the first in a series of activities planned by Lockheed Martin to provide over-the-horizon voice and data exchange capability to the tactical cockpit from a commercially owned and operated SATCOM system. Lockheed Martin plans on demonstrating other SATCOM systems as they become available. The advantage of these systems over traditional methods of communication is that they are not limited by line-of-sight. Additionally, the required equipment is low-cost and lightweight.
During their flight, which originated a LMTAS in Fort Worth, Barter and Pennington successfully demonstrated the feasibility of employing an Iridium-based commercial-off-the-shelf communication system, the AIRSAT 1, on the F-16. The significance of the event goes beyond the simple phone call used in the demonstration; this capability could open the door for use of commercial satellites for a variety of military applications for data and voice exchange. Successful two-way communication between the aircraft and the LMTAS Flight Operations Center was established and maintained in conditions ranging from taxi/takeoff to 1. 6 Mach at 42, 000 feet. This was the first supersonic test of Iridium and the AIRSAT.
The demonstration also included satellite communication during basic flight maneuvers and a series of climbs, dives, rolls and turns. Voice calls were made to and from the aircraft to the telephone in the LMTAS Flight Operations Center and from an Iridium handset. As a result of this joint effort, the known operational envelope and platform applicability of Iridium-based systems has been greatly expanded. "As a pilot, I am very excited about being able to use the latest in commercial technology for the world's primary front-line fighter, " Barter said." The SATCOM provides the capability to receive updated target, threat and weather information at greatly extended ranges, which give the pilot time to assess the situation and plan his attack. "
This demonstration is the first in a series of activities planned by Lockheed Martin to provide over-the-horizon voice and data exchange capability to the tactical cockpit from a commercially owned and operated SATCOM system. Lockheed Martin plans on demonstrating other SATCOM systems as they become available. The advantage of these systems over traditional methods of communication is that they are not limited by line-of-sight. Additionally, the required equipment is low-cost and lightweight.
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