BAE Systems completed a successful demonstration of its Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST) networking waveform, a wireless networking protocol developed for airborne tactical networking. The demonstration included Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, Voice over IP, mobile ad-hoc networking, streaming video and imagery. It was part of an $8 million contract performed in concert with SRA International Inc., prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. FAST provides network-centric operation for situational awareness in airborne tactical environments. The waveform supports real-time exchange of multimedia communications, including data, voice and video. "The test demonstrates the capability to modernize Link 16 [data link] to operate in a net-centric environment today,” said Joseph McCarthy, vice president and general manager of communications and tactical networks for BAE Systems.