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Warfare Center Trains Upgrades Technology, Warfighters

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090625-05
Release Date: 6/25/2009 5:03:00 AM

From Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), recently delivered two AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star Block II systems to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) for use in a tactical demonstration during the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course.

As part of the course, NSWC Crane trained both pilots and avionics technicians on the upgraded system's operation ability before its release to the warfighter later this year.

AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star is an electro-optic multi-sensor that provides day and night surveillance and targeting capability for rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, including the UH-1 Huey helicopter.

NSWC Crane trained operational squadrons from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. Instruction focused on the AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star Block II technological upgrades. These include improved laser performance, advanced colored optics, as well as integration of an infrared laser pointer (IRLP). The system's improvements allowed for increased positive identification ranges of vehicle targets throughout the training.

"The intense training prepared warfighters to operate and sustain the upgraded system," said Kenny Reszka, NSWC Crane BRITE Star systems engineer. "By training them to manage the technology before its release to theater, we're better ensuring the completion of safe and effective missions."

The WTI course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., provides graduate-level training for qualification of individual instructors that return to their squadrons as experts in employment of the aircraft and its weapons systems. During the WTI course, BRITE Star Block II sensors were used to lase 12 laser-guided munitions and to conduct seven laser hand-offs. Numerous rotary wing attacks were also conducted using the integrated IRLP.

In addition to the AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star Block II instruction, NSWC Crane also provided assistance to correct aircraft wiring and hardware problems that were affecting operation of other BRITE Star and Star SAFIRE systems installed on aircraft at MAWTS.

WTI training also provides an ideal situation for warfighters to express any issues they are experiencing with a system, as well as future technological enhancements that would be useful.

"Experts are able to narrow down any system concerns and quickly address the issues," said Reszka. "We're also able to personally teach more extensive troubleshooting techniques the warfighter can use in the future."

NSWC Crane's Electronic Warfare/Information Operations Center is responsible for AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star logistics and engineering support, system procurement, testing and training. Its nationally recognized leadership provides innovative technical solutions across air, ground and maritime domains.

Prior to fielding later this year, NSWC Crane will support the AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star Block II portion of the UH-1Y operational test in summer 2009. After the upgraded system is deployed, the Warfare Center will provide in-theater system support to the warfighter.

NSWC Crane focuses on harnessing the power of technology for the warfighter. The warfare center specializes in full life cycle support in three mission focus areas: special missions, strategic missions, and electronic warfare/information operations.