US Air Force Moody Air Force Base took delivery of a pair of AT-6E Wolverine aircraft to demonstrate a new datalink called AEROnet. Tests with the new system take place with partner nations.
According to the USAF, the AT-6Es and their pilots were "borrowed" from the 81st Fighter Squadron to Moody's 23rd Wing. The aircraft will be used to develop and demonstrate the capabilities of the Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network (AERONet), an exportable and affordable data link.
“Air Combat Command invited partner nations to come to the United States to mature and co-develop tactics, techniques, and procedures to combat violent extremist organizations”, says the release from the base of Moody.
The collaboration, slated for completion in May 2022, will demonstrate AERONet's ability to enhance communication between partner nations and US forces. As you work to build coalitions with partner nations, one goal is to create shared knowledge of a common platform that partner nation allies can employ.
The overall objective is to develop the capability and capability of US partner nations, enhancing the ability to work together and enabling the success of any future operation.
The AT-6E, whose first unit was delivered to USAF in February 2021, it is the direct competitor of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, also acquired by the Americans. Based on the T-6 Texan II, American version of the Pilatus PC-9, the AT-6 has seven hardpoints to carry different weapons in addition to a FLIR turret.
While the AT-6E will be used to test and demonstrate AEROnet, the Brazilian A-29 entered service with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). One of the aircraft even sports a WWII retro painting.
