What is FalconView?
FalconView is a Windows 95 and Windows NT mapping system that displays various types of
maps and geographically referenced overlays. Many types of maps are supported, but the
primary ones of interest to most users are aeronautical charts, satellite images and
elevation maps. FalconView also supports a large number of overlay types that can be
displayed over any map background. The current overlay set is targeted toward military
mission planning users and is oriented towards aviators and aviation support personnel.
FalconView is an integral part of the Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS). This
software suite includes FalconView, Combat Flight Planning Software (CFPS), Combat Weapon
Delivery Software (CWDS), Combat Air Drop Planning Software (CAPS) and several other
software packages built by various software contractors.
Who uses FalconView?
FalconView is used by a large portion of the U.S. Air Force mission planning community and
the U.S. Special Operations Forces. The initial version was used almost exclusively by
U.S. Air Force F-16 pilots. Later versions were quickly adopted by other fighters as well
as the airlift, bomber, and tanker communities. In recent years, various Special
Operations units have used FalconView on a multitude of rotary wing aircraft in addition
to their fixed wing assets. There are several European nations also using a special
version of FalconView that has been approved for export.
There has recently been growing interest in FalconView by the U.S. Navy, and the initial
Navy version was released in January 1998. Other non-DoD agencies such as the Federal
Aviation Administration and the U.S. Customs Service are conducting tests to determine
FalconView's applicability to their missions.
How much does FalconView cost?
FalconView is available free of charge to all components of the U.S. Department of
Defense. However, FalconView 3.0.1 has been funded solely by the Air National Guard, Air
Force Reserve, U.S. Special Operations Command, and Air Combat Command. As such, these
organizations determine the total magnitude and scope of distribution. Contact the
Software Support Facility at Hill Air Force Base (800-773-7739) to be placed on the
distribution list.
Who developed FalconView?
FalconView was developed by researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute located on
the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional
information can be obtained by sending e-mail to Chris Bailey, the FalconView Project
Director, at Christopher.Bailey@gtri.gatech.edu.
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