The Army has yet again “jumped” ahead of the game in terms of paratrooper technology, developing a system that provides a number of different in-flight forms of communication including voice, video and teleconferencing, Fox News reports.
Prior to this advancement paratroopers were provided with limited data from the C-17 cargo aircraft while in transit to their mission. Now, with more streamlined communication, paratroopers will be able to keep up with the ever-changing details of their missions.
The system itself, called “Enroute Mission Command Capability,” is an airborne satellite network that allows for the high-speed transmission of data, which allows for strategic planning to be done during flights that reach upwards of 20 hours. According to many in the military, this data access will allow soldiers to keep focus on the mission at hand during lengthy flights.
The Army hopes that this technology will be ready for full-scale service in 2017.