A new data link between Legion sensor pods let two F-16s share infrared tracking data in flight, helping pilots rapidly range multiple airborne targets without radar and prioritize the most critical threats.
In flight tests with the US Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center (AATC), the aircraft carried Legion pods fitted with a pre-production version of L3Harris’ HiveLink data link.
The F-16s flew from Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, where the pods connected and shared data that improved track accuracy.
Lockheed Martin said the linked sensors can give pilots a near-instantaneous range to multiple targets, helping them identify which threats demand attention first.
The company expects the capability to reduce pilot workload and shorten targeting timelines.
“Working side by side with the Air National Guard and AATC, we are turning proven infrared search-and-track into a networked, passive capability that is ready now,” said Cristin Stengel, program director for Legion at Lockheed.
“With Legion’s pod-to-pod data link and open architecture, we’re providing aircrews faster, more accurate targeting in the most contested airspaces.”
Future work will examine software-defined radios, gateways that support multiple waveforms, and cooperation between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
The Tech Behind the Test
Legion is a passive infrared search-and-track system. Its open architecture allows new capabilities, including data links, to be added to the pod.
L3Harris’ HiveLink combines mesh networking, Common Data Link compatibility, and an exportable waveform.
It is designed to provide line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight connections for aircraft with limited space, weight, and power.
Legion is already fielded in pod form on F-15 and F-16 aircraft. Lockheed Martin said the design could also be carried by other crewed and uncrewed platforms.
