Armchair Warrior launched

THE Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft is the main focus of a new major research facility launched by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation at RAAF Base Edinburgh on September 2.

Known as the Mission Systems Research Centre (MSRC), the new facility was officially opened by Air Vice-Marshal Norman Gray, Head Airborne Surveillance and Control Division, who said, “The new facility significantly enhances DSTO’s abilities to carry out vital research into ADF airborne mission systems equipment and programming.”

The MSRC is part of the Aerospace Battlelab Framework being developed by DSTO, which provides a computer-generated battle-space environment that allows AEW&C operators to explore ways of interacting with other aircraft, ships or ground forces.

A series of exercises called the ‘Armchair Warrior’ are being used to familiarise crews with the use of AEW&C technology in advance of the first aircraft’s arrival by 2007. Results of these exercises will be used to develop tactics and procedures and new algorithms for the mission system.

Other ADF aircraft, including the joint strike fighter, will also be supported through the research.

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