US Air Force to demonstrate new data link called AERONet with AT-6E Wolverine aircraft.

The 23rd Wing received two AT-6E Wolverine aircraft at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 12, 2022.  81st Fighter Squadron pilots, who are on loan to the 23rd Wing, will be flying the AT-6 aircraft alongside partner nation personnel. Air Combat Command invited the partner nations to come to the United States to further mature and co-develop tactics, techniques, and procedures to counter violent extremist organizations while simultaneously demonstrating the capabilities of the Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network (AERONet), an exportable and affordable data link.

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A US Air Force AT-6E Wolverine taxis on the flightline during its arrival at Moody Air Force, Georgia, Jan. 12, 2022. (Picture source: USAF)

The system has three nodes, each with distinct combat capabilities: The airborne node is a radio and computer hybrid that users can attach to nearly any aircraft. It receives and relays voice and chat and pipes full motion video to and from any other node in the system. Dismounted troops such as joint tactical attack controllers and tactical air control parties use the ground node, which looks like a tablet and satellite-radio hybrid. It can run on Android technology and provides operators with airborne command and control capability from smartphones or tablets. The final node, a reach-back command and control tactical operations center, provides decision makers with access to all the information flowing through AERONet from their troops at the tactical edge.

The collaboration, set to conclude in May 2022, will demonstrate AERONet’s ability to enhance communication between partner nations and U.S. forces. As we work to build coalitions with partner nations, one goal is to create shared knowledge of a common platform that partner nation allies can employ. The overarching goal is to build capacity and capability of U.S. partner nations, enhancing the ability to seamlessly work together and enabling the successes of any future operation.

The presence of these aircraft will not elevate the noise levels that residents currently experience in the surrounding area.

A US Air Force AT-6E Wolverine taxis on the flightline during its arrival at Moody Air Force, Georgia, Jan. 12, 2022. (Picture source: USAF)