The Department of Defense on Feb. 20 announced it annual list of joint capability technology demonstrations and unveiled the collection of foreign systems and defense acquisition challenge offerings that it intends to evaluate. Among the 15 JCTDs are two Air Force projects being conducted for US Pacific Command: the counter-electronics high powered microwave advanced missile project, or CHAMP for short, and the critical runway assessment and repair capability. There is also a US Special Operations Command-led demo of a precision acquisition and weaponized system that aims to integrate low-collateral damage weapons with tactical unmanned aircraft. Of the 24 foreign and DAC systems to be tested (complete list), three are for the Air Force: a 25mm round from Switzerland for the F-35, an advanced infrared expendable decoy, and a portable electrical power supply for aeromedical evacuations.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.