Boeing
has demonstrated that it is possible to deliver streaming video over a mobile, ad-hoc tactical network from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a Chinook helicopter and ground troops.
According to Boeing, the demonstration proves that the high-bandwidth connection can deliver beyond line-of-sight video to the tactical edge, providing greater situational awareness to military personnel equipped to receive video.
‘This tactical network is ahead of its time in many ways,’ said Tom DuBois, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems architect and technical fellow for avionics and software.
‘The network's open architecture means it can operate simultaneously with other transformational communication systems, while also supporting UAV sensor visualisation, white board, chat and network-based situational-awareness displays,’ he added.
The net-centric demonstration took place on 16-18 March at Boeing's Systems Analysis Laboratory in Brisbane, Australia, where personnel from Australia's army, navy and air force viewed the network's capabilities on flight hardware.
Steve Parker, vice-president and general manager of Boeing Network and Space Systems - Australia, said: ‘Tactically networked aircraft and ground units will result in more accurate military responses due to the ability to instantly and effortlessly communicate data to and coordinate with troops on land, in aircraft or at sea.’
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