ABMS Helps USAF Quickly Detect Threats

More than 1,600 personnel, dozens of aircraft, and over 60 sensors came together this week in the second test of the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System, which combines live sensors with readiness and intelligence data to create an accessible, all-encompassing view of a battlefield. The exercise culminated Sept. 3 when a newly developed “smart” round from a howitzer downed a cruise missile. “Just for the record, tank shooting down cruise missiles. That’s just awesome,” USAF acquisition boss Will Roper said. “That’s video games, sci-fi awesome. You’re not supposed to be able to shoot down a cruise missile with a tank. But, yes, you can, if the bullet is smart enough, and the bullet we use for that system is exceptionally smart.” Read more ►