Air Force confirms KC-46 comm pods as first operational ABMS capability

摘要

The Air Force announced today the first operational Advanced Battle Management System capability will be communication pods installed on the KC-46 tanker that will allow the F-22 and F-35 to send and receive data to one another.The service praised the milestone as a key first step in what will be an incremental effort to field ABMS capabilities. It also addresses a fundamental need for better communication between the fifth-generation fighter aircraft and across the joint force."This latest effort allows Air Force and Space Force program officials to test a cornerstone element of ABMS - the ability to transfer data from a central source to a diverse joint force," the service said in a press release today.Inside Defense reported last month that the Rapid Capabilities Office, which took over management of ABMS in the fall, plans to release a solicitation this year for the communication pods. An award is expected by the end of fiscal year 2021, and the technology could be fielded in FY-22.