Boeing and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed a flight test of the prototype Distributed Targeting System-Networked (DTS-N) on a Super Hornet. The system is designed to enhance the F/A-18E/F fighter jet's targeting capabilities.

The test took place in late 2011 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Advanced Weapons Lab in China Lake, Calif., and was conducted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-31.

DTS-N is based on the Boeing Adaptive Architecture developed by the company's Phantom Works division. It expands the capabilities of the soon-to-be-operational F/A-18E/F Distributed Targeting System by providing a dramatic increase in processing power and the ability to securely connect to advanced airborne networks.

The framework is an open systems environment that allows for the swift interchange of software and hardware to support multiple missions.

"The success of this test validates the rapid prototyping work being carried out by our Phantom Works teams," said James Dodd, vice president, Advanced Boeing Military Aircraft, a division of Boeing Phantom Works.

"This leading-edge networking architecture will support our advanced aircraft and systems to better meet the needs of our customers and ensure the success of critical missions."

The DTS-N test was the first major activity completed under the F/A-18 Flight Plan Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division (NAWC-WD) and Boeing.

"This unprecedented approach to cooperative cost-sharing and development is a tremendous step toward demonstrating open systems architecture that meets the customer's needs in the 21st century," said Shelley Lavender, Boeing vice president and general manager of Global Strike.

"With the successful first flight of the DTS-N under the CRADA, the Navy, Boeing, and its industry team have laid the groundwork for a technical and business environment that supports prototyping future flight plan acceleration initiatives," said Harlan Kooima, the F-18 Integrated Product Team lead at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

During the flight test, an application developed by Phantom Works provided an auto-routing capability, while a separate Navy application developed by the NAWC-WD Weapon Engagement Office was used to generate Autonomous Target Acquisition templates for a captive-carried Joint Standoff weapon.

The system also has robust provisions to address emerging information assurance and network security requirements. Harris Corp. provided flight-qualified hardware in support of the test.