b'technology that can scan a certain percentage of acreage at the flight line or missile base, so base defenders dont have to drive long distances to monitor land. Why not just automate that process? Dillard says.Rethinking Pier ConnectivityThe Navy is working with AT&T to rethink the way ships connect to the Navys network when they dock, as part of an initiative that explores smart piers. Rather than physically connecting the ship to fiber-optic cables in order to upload data from the Navy network, the Navy is exploring 5G capabilities that may allow them to go completely wirelessessentially providing pier connectivity-as-a-Service. Similar to revamping the Navys ship-to-shore communications infrastructure, the Air Force is examining how 5G-enabled automation can refashion the flight-line process. The same type of model could apply from the anchor to the flight line, Dillard says. It could be a blend of defense installation resilience, and more importantly, higher-speed data offloaded from the aircraft to the maintainer, intelligence officer or operations center.Air Force aircraft are outfitted with increasingly sophisticated technology. But as planes get smarter, theyre generating ever more data. And the Air Force needs to find a way to download that data quickly when planes land. Enhanced connectivity with 5G would allow a host of processes to be automated, including fleet management or the use of autonomous vehicles on the flight line to haul heavy equipment and machinery. In fact, 5G can bring advanced inventory management, supply chain tracking and even blockchain as a user service. Consider AT&Ts efforts with the Fleet Logistics Center San Diego at the Naval Base Coronado, for 11'