EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- It's not uncommon for a Tactical Air Control Party Airmen, navigating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry close to a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army commanders about that capability and use of air power to enhance combat operations.
There are currently 30 Airmen assigned with Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operation Squadron from Fort Richardson, Alaska participating in Northern Edge '08 and using this opportunity to test out new experimental equipment before it is used in future operations. The equipment is being evaluated during land navigation and close air support training in the Pacific Alaskan Range Complex.
A representative of Air Force Research Labs from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base brought seven different items to be tested during this exercise before they reach the frontlines.
"The whole concept of this new technology is to make [TACP] lighter, faster and more deadly," said Gregory Burnett, chief engineer with the AFRL.
This new technology decreases a total of 10-15 pounds of weight and enhances theirs capabilities with the battery renewable integrated tactical energy system, which is a self sufficient light weight generator capable of producing enough energy to power all their equipment he said. They are also equipped with a head mounted display enabling them to see any potential threats down range while being able to view information from a small rugged MR-1 notebook that can store and send information directly to pilots in the air.
One TACP had the opportunity to test out the new equipment during NE '08 and saw first hand the effectiveness of the systems. While using it at this exercise he will better understand how it works and how to effectively use it.
"So far I'm very impressed with the new equipment from the easy to use headset to the MR-1 small computer," Sergeant Field said.
The goal of this equipment test at Northern Edge is to gain operator feedback so they can provide a better final product. After a full day in the field, he will have a chance to give his opinion on the new equipment.
"The cut of weight from carrying all those rechargeable batteries will help out a great deal when we are trekking up mountains in Afghanistan or walking through urban areas in Iraq," Sergeant Field said.
"This has been very successful all the gear has been working as expected and everyone has been receptive to each technology," Mr. Burnett said.
With TACP input, the developers from AFRL are able to further make improvements to this technology, which will ultimately save lives and provide a force multiplier to commanders.