ADF C-17A demos new SATCOM, display system
An Australian Defence Force (ADF) C-17A Globemaster fitted with a new imagery display and Satellite Communication (SATCOM) system has demonstrated its capabilities to senior ADF personnel on 20 May.
The new system was used to stream video from a Heron UAS operating 2,000km away on large screens in the aircraft. The Heron was flying over the Woomera test range in South Australia. The C-17A was positioned in Canberra as part of the air force's Jericho Dawn series of capability demonstrations.
The system installation is the result of ADF's Plan Jericho, which aims at introducing high technology systems into the air force and wider ADF.
Group Captain Robert Chipman, director of Plan Jericho, said that the system exemplified exploiting and connecting capabilities that are currently operated by the ADF.
Chipman said: 'The networks and systems demonstrated in Canberra today allow passengers in the aircraft to receive live updates and video of their destination, such as enemy positions or disaster damaged areas, right up to the point of insertion.
'The systems may also provide utility in supporting other kinds of operations such as aeromedical evacuations by giving medical staff on board the ability to video conference with specialists on the ground.'
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