In flight database update is historic first for Air Force

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — An airborne E-3G aircraft operated by the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Combined Test Force updated its electronic support measures database in flight over central Texas with a file transmitted from its reprogramming center at Eglin Air Force Base. The process, which usually takes months, was completed in hours.

The new process provides more accurate identification of threats providing the warfighter with a tactical and strategic competitive advantage and freedom to attack, maneuver and defend.

“These are significant events,” said Col. Adam Shelton, 505th Test and Training Group commander, Hurlburt Field.

“Our capability to detect, discover and defend ourselves against hostile threat systems is tied to our ability to quickly update software, especially mission data files, and there is a tactical demand to do so.”

The E-3G collected EW information using its existing ESM system and transmitted the in-flight recorded data to the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, using its satellite communications system.

The test was conducted by 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Detachment 1, at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, aligning with their mission to field innovation and develop tactics for the AWACS community.

“While most airborne EW systems provide self-protection, the primary purpose of the E-3G’s ESM system is to provide situational awareness, combat identification, and threat warning for the rest of the assets in theater,” said Maj. Jesse Snook, 605th TES, Det1 air battle manager.

“Modern advanced radars are increasingly digital and can adapt faster than ever before, and the mission data update process needs to adapt along with it.”

Snook continued, “The E-3G has demonstrated its ability to exchange near real-time electronic warfare information with the experts on the ground and feed that information back into the fight immediately.”

Within an hour, the 36th EWS processed and analyzed the E-3G’s data, corrected deficiencies observed in the data, and transmitted the updated file back to the E-3G for immediate loading during the mission.

The in-air update and in-air flight data transmissions were firsts for the E-3G.

In addition, the concept referred to as Airborne Cooperative EW Integrated Reprogrammable Exchange, or ACEWIRE, was devised as a first step to accelerating antiquated reprogramming processes for the E-3G and the assets under its control.

The AWACS CTF is comprised of the 96th Operations Group, Det 2, and 605th TES, Det 1, which are responsible for the developmental and operational testing of new hardware and software on the E-3G.

The 96th OG, Det 2 at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is part of the 96th OG and 96th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida. The 605th TES, Det 1 at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, and the 605th TES are a part of the 505th TTG and 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

By Deb Henley, 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Detachment 1