Adjustments to the aircraft include
routine maintenance, replacements of
electronics, avionics and communication
equipment. Innovative new technologies
have also been implemented.
One of the most impactful innovations is
the integration of a new command and
control system called digital
interoperability. This enhancement integrates new data
links, radio networking and an iridium
antenna to offer key intelligence data
to osprey crews while inflate.
This adjustment is crucial to sensor to
shooter time and real-time information
exchange. Osprey crews and traveling marines can
receive intelligence updates, while on
route to an objective and make critical
adjustments.
It is also quite likely that the digital
interoperability innovation will
incorporate breakthroughs achieved from
the future vertical lift program, such as
lightweight composite materials, new
sensors software enhancements or even
new weapons and targeting technologies.
Given that, the airframes themselves are
likely to hold up for many years, V-22s
will benefit from upgrades to
electronics, computing and software
upgrades. This one reason why the navy is
extending its maintenance and
sustainment contract with bell boeing
for the osprey.
Digital interoperability helps the Osprey fit into the Pentagon's joint
all-domain command and control effort as
it enables the osprey to operate as a
combat node within a larger, interconnected, multi-domain network.
The Osprey could send targeting
specifics of enemy surface ships, aircraft or incoming ballistic missiles
to ship-based command and control, nearby
fighter jets are ground assets. Digital connectivity supports the goal
of decreasing sensor to shooter time to
enable a high-speed kill web, ahead of an
enemy decision cycle.
In yet another scenario an approaching
de-enabled osprey carrying marines can
learn of shifting enemy movements, while
on route to a mission in time to change
targeting details or landing information.
This kind of technological ability could
be crucial in mounted vertical maneuver
missions in which marines are brought
into hostile territory behind enemy
lines, to conduct clandestine attack and
resupply missions, medevac, reconnaissance
operations or weapons delivery.
