Boeing develops system to network jet fighters.

• Author: Tadjdeh, Yasmin
• Position: Global Defense

Using a new airborne networking system, Boeing recently demonstrated that it could send secure communications and data between fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, a company executive said.

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During a recent flight test at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, the company proved it could connect an F-l5C Eagle with an F-22 Raptor via a data link enabled by a system known as the Talon Hate pod, said Paul Geery, vice president of mission solutions at Boeing's Phantom Works division.

"Right now in the current system, there's limited ability to communicate between those two aircraft with data," he said.

With the Talon Hate pods, the aircraft can share realtime updated information via communication links and create a robust operating picture, he said.

"I liken this to taking Google Maps from just being maps to being updated constantly," he said. "It's cool to be able to see a map on a display...but it's really cool to see a map on a display with updated information about where the traffic jams,...gas stations and restaurants" are.

Boeing began work on the Air Force program in late 2013. It went through the design, build and procurement phases and began testing it in 2015. Under the contract, Boeing...