Link 16 Support and Sustainment

Abstract

Tactical Data Links (TDLs) are used in a combat environment to exchange information such as messages, data, radar tracks, target information, platform status, imagery, and command assignments. TDLs provide interoperability, local and global connectivity, and situational awareness to the user when operating under rapidly changing operational conditions. TDLs are used by all Service theater Command and Control (C2) elements, weapons platforms, and sensors. TDLs include, but are not limited to: Link 16, Link 11, Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), Variable Message Format (VMF), Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS), Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL), Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST), Advanced Tactical Data Link (ATDL), and Radar Common Data Link (R-CDL). This effort provides critical capability and enhancements to the Airborne Network by creating common development, integration and interoperability among ground and air platforms. Utilization of TDLs in a joint environment requires the integration of terminals [e.g., Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) or Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)] into host platforms, and designing interoperability of data link networks across all deployed joint and allied platforms. The 653rd Electronic Systems Group (653rd ELSG) performs several cross-platform activities to ensure proper integration of TDL capabilities and interoperability of TDL networks. TDL efforts include incorporating changes and additions to the Link 16 message standard (MIL-STD-6016C), incorporating Link 16 enhancements and interoperable Systems Management and Requirements Transformation (iSMART), a process which enables network centric interoperability assessments to be made more quickly and effectively. The Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS) program ensures platform/system interoperability through the development and management of the joint/combined architecture, tactical information exchange requirements (IERs), interface definitions and protocols, platform/system implementations, employment concepts, and operating procedures. This program participates in the development, testing, and implementation of international standards (to include NATO standardization agreements) to ensure joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. Gateway systems enable combat forces to exchange information quickly and accurately by bridging discrete airborne, terrestrial, and/or space-based C4ISR networks to produce operational effects not possible within individual networks. The AF continues to enhance the interoperability and capabilities of fielded gateways such as the Joint Air Defense System Integrator (JADSI), Joint Range Extension (JRE) functionality, Pocket J, and Roll-On Beyond-line-of-sight Enhancement (ROBE). The Air Force is leading the effort to develop a materiel solution to satisfy a CENTCOM Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) within the time parameters specified by the DEPSECDEF. The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) JUON calls for 24/7 operation of the BACN payload to support current operations. BACN provides interoperability between disparate Tactical Data Links (TDLs) by receiving the various signals, bridging and forwarding them via an array of waveforms. This functionality permits single network operations and translation between Link 16 and Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), as well as beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity. BACN enhances this capability by connecting to the airborne IP network allowing information exchange. The BACN payload is an airborne data processing and communications system that integrates a suite of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processor, storage and information technology (IT) equipment and existing military airborne communications systems. The BACN payload also integrates existing and newly developed applications and services to provide range extension and connectivity for dissimilar communications systems that process, translate, transmit and store critical data for end users (e.g., Combined Air Operations Center, Tactical Air Control Parties, Special Operations forces, and airborne command and control and tactical platforms. A prototype BACN equipped BD-700 has been operating in theater since December 2008 per Deployment Order issued 29 August 2008. The BACN JUON is comprised of the BACN payload integrated onto two BD-700s and two Global Hawk Block 20 air vehicles operating as a system. Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) is an Air Force program to develop a common, reusable, configurable, and extensible tactical data link message processing solution for airborne maritime, and fixed-site systems. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. This program is in budget activity 5 (System Development and Demonstration (SDD)) because it supports mature system development, integration and demonstrations, initial fielding support activities, operational support activities, and support of special projects.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0207434F_5_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: FY09 OCO reprogrammed $61.0M for BACN JUON Received FY09 OMNIBUS Adjustment $31.5M for BACN JUON Received FY 10 $79.3M Congressional Increase for BACN
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Autonomy
• C4I
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Defense
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Command And Control
• Command And Control Systems
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Data Links
• Data Processing
• Digital Information
• Information Systems
• Line Of Sight
• Situational Awareness
• Standards
• Tactical Data Links
• Warfare
• Weapon Systems

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics
• Space