Armed Forces News

Air Force joint terminal attack controllers someday could be able to call in close air support with three clicks on a tablet screen. The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) has demonstrated successfully a new system that would greatly enhance the quickness controllers could conduct such operations. Conducted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., using A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, more than 50 tests all exceeded the goal of coordinating close air support strikes in under six minutes. The system, called Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS), employs special software DARPA developed that allows for quick sharing of real-time situational awareness and weapons system data. The system can be used on any type of aircraft.