[AT] navy aerial warfare

[John Slavin]

This can be filed under the category of things that may interest only me.

Some time ago somebody posted a link to an article about a remote controlled F-16.  I suggested that there is more going on than just remote controlled aircraft including networking among the aircraft, whereby, for example one aircraft could drop a bomb and directing the bomb or missile to the target by other aircraft would be commonplace.  I think someone suggested that I was a bit behind the curve on this.  

I didn't really want to say too much because I was just hearing some unclassified snippets.  However, the Navy has unclassified more significant aspects of their plans going forward.  It makes for an interesting read:

http://news.usni.org/2014/01/23/navys-next-air-war

I have a particular interest in this as my son-in-law is a Naval Flight Officer on the E-2C Hawkeye, and just returned from a 2 year stint on the USS Washington based in Japan as the Hawkeye squadron's Maintenance Officer.  The E-2D, the upgraded version of this venerable aircraft, will have a prominent role in the Navy's plans going forward. The E-2D has been used in the Fleet Replacement Squadron for some time.  However, initial operating capability for an E-2D fleet squadron ready for operational deployment is scheduled for later this year. 

John

John Slavin
jslavin at marktwain.net