Article Posted on : - Sep 24, 2013

AT-6 light attack aircraft. Photo: Beechcraft Corporation

WICHITA, KANSAS (BNS): Beechcraft AT-6 light attack aircraft has become the first fixed-wing aircraft to successfully utilise the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System Situational Awareness (SINCGARS SA) Waveform capability.

The SINCGARS SA Waveform is a software-controlled high frequency radio designed to provide digital communication and global positioning services (GPS) in both fixed and mobile configurations vital for military armed reconnaissance.

The assessment and demonstration were conducted in August by members of the US Air Force Air National Guard and Georgia Tech Research Institute.

The dual ARC-210 Warrior Radios of the AT-6 were configured to securely and directly communicate simultaneously with three different Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC).

These ground forces were carrying PRC-148, PRC-152 and PRC-117 radios and positioned to replicate numerous, realistic combat situations.

The success of the SA Waveform in the AT-6 will help propel the US military to further advance its future mission tactics in Close Air Support (CAS), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Combat Search and Rescue Task Force (CSARTF), Beechcraft said.

"During the demonstration, the AT-6 successfully transmitted and received tactical audio and dynamic position locations with fielded combat ground radios," said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defence Company.

The AT-6 is a multi-role, multi-mission aircraft system designed to meet the full spectrum of needs for the light attack mission.