Integrated Control and Avionics for Air Superiority: A Program Overview

The Integrated Control and Avionics for Air Superiority (ICAAS) advanced development program objective is to develop, integrate, and demonstrate critical technologies which will enable USAF fighter aircraft to kill and survive when outnumbered by enemy aircraft during air combat engagements. A goal is to demonstrate that blue fighters can win aerial engagements when outnumbered as much as four to one by threats with capabilities anticipated in the year 1995-2000 timeframe. Primary emphasis is placed upon beyond-visual-range multiple target attack capability with provisions for effective transition to close-in combat. Information and recommended actions are computed to aid the pilot in selecting and executing the most effective attack and defend engagement options. The ICAAS system will attempt to maximize opportunities for missile launch against multiple enemy aircraft while maintaining options to defend when necessary. Sufficient integration and automation are provided for application to a single seat fighter aircraft. An intraflight data link is used for enhanced mutual support between individual flight members to make them a more effective combat team. The ICAAS program is sponsored by the Wright Research and Development Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This paper provides an overview of the ICAAS system design, integration, and test.