The Rockwell Collins’ [COL] FireStorm Integrated Targeting System was successfully used for the first time to guide an F-35 aircraft digitally using a complete air strike mission threat in both a ground test and live flight, the company said on Tuesday.

A qualified current Forward Air Controller (FAC) from the United Kingdom operated the system.

The flight test occurred at the Edwards AFB, Calif., F-35 Lightning II flight test facility. It was coordinated with the integrated project team from the U.K. F-35 office.

An F-35 firing an AMRAAM. Photo: Raytheon.
An F-35 firing an AMRAAM. Photo: Raytheon.

“The FAC approached the test from a practical standpoint and was able to use the system under simulated tactical conditions. The test was also significant because FireStorm is currently fielded by the British Army, and has now been proven to be interoperable with the F-35,” Tommy Dodson, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins, said in a statement.

The FireStorm system is a lightweight and modular Joint Fires system that offers digital connectivity with virtually all coalition aircraft, field artillery systems and command-and-control center battle managers, Rockwell Collins said. FireStorm systems are in operation globally, in use by five NATO countries.