Internet computer technology is radically changing the way things are being done in both the civilian world and in the military. Jon Gold has reported today, Jan. 23, 2013, for Network World, Air Force software turns warplanes into wireless routers in the sky. It has been stated in an official announcement, that the Net-T, or network tactical, software, is an upgrade which can be applied to the LITENING and Sniper targeting systems, which are pods full of advanced cameras, sensors and communications equipment that can be carried by numerous U.S. Air Force planes.
PC World has also covered this story. The Air Force has said Net-T provides the ability for ground forces to share data with each other via the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver 5 system, which is a small tablet that can be carried by troops in the field. Prior to this, ROVER-5 only allowed communication directly between troops on the ground and aircraft. With the use of Net-T, commanders on the ground can share video data, map coordinates and a many other information types without the use of traditional satellite or radio communication.
Captain Joseph Rojas, who is the Net-T project test engineer, has said that this is a powerful new capability. He has commented, "The groups on the ground need 'line of sight' to the aircraft in the air, not each other. This opens up communication possibilities to support ground operations across all services." The Air Force has said that, in the absence of any major setbacks, Net-T could be in operational use by 2014.
