Image by billypalooza via Flickr

The Air Force has finally contracted Northrop Grunman to equip a few jets with a "universal translator" system. This system will be designed to allow all personnel from multiple agencies, departmens of the government, and military forces, to seamlessly communicate with one another. An example of when such technology would be used is if a state department convoy carrying only cell phones and satellite phones were to be attacked in Iraq. This system would enable them to seamlessly call in for help, and communicate directly with the A-10 pilots that come in for close air support....

More importantly, I think this is an important and necessary step towards integrating all of the different networks and ways of communicating that exist in "civilian" life as well. One thing that struck me when I was studying to get my private pilot's license was the ammount of material focused on radio communication. Single engine planes carry two radio's at a minimum, both capable of tuning into two different frequencies. Depending on the airport, it may be necessary for the pilot to manage and manipulate 2 or 3 different frequencies at a time. This is an arduous task, considering the number of things that have to be done simultaneously during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing!

Furthermore frequencies are easy to botch as they're printed in size 3 Arial in a light magenta on maps. If you tune into the wrong frequency in the D.C. Airspace, this could spell for disaster, as you may never properly be authorized into the airspace. WE all know what happens then...F-16's and Blackhawks are mobilized to intercept the aircraft. The biggest irony here is that if the aircraft isn't tuned into the right frequency, the jets can't communicate with them in any way!

I'm a big fan of this system and hope that it rapidly gets adapted and put into use back stateside for us civilians!

Image via Wikipedia