Bomber Tactical Data Link

Abstract

Tactical Data Links (TDL), as a subset of the broader Airborne Network, 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 provide a jam-resistant, secure digital data transfer network capability with new and standardized waveforms and data formats allowing Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) intra- and inter-flight communications. 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), Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT). This effort provides critical capability and enhancements to the Airborne Network by creating common development, integration, and interoperability among all Air Force bomber platforms to include, but not limited to B-1B, B-2, and B-52 aircraft. Keeps all bomber platforms and data linked weapons current, interoperable in the network, and compatible with the USAF Global Strike (GS) operations concept beyond 2020. Also expands LOS and BLOS data link capabilities. TDLs increase mission effectiveness, provide situational awareness, provide positive identification of aircraft in the network, correlate on- and off-board sensor data sharing, target, and threat information, and provide the data link to accomplish time critical targeting and other mission update functions. The BLOS data link capability works with Link 16 to extend the range of local Link 16 networks to other areas/theaters. TDL efforts include incorporating changes and additions to the TDL message standard (MIL-STD-6016D) and applicable Interface Change Proposals (ICPs); assisting with AF and Joint interoperability certification testing; future development, integration, and verification of Operational Flight Program (OFP) upgrades due to TDL integration; support of data gathering processes; studying and incorporating data link technologies to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the Global Strike CONOPS and Global Persistent Attack CONOPS; and incorporating Interoperable Systems Management and Requirements Transformation (iSMART), a process which enables network centric interoperability assessments to be made more quickly and effectively. Bomber platforms have both current work and future plans for Tactical Data Links. The B-1 Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL) program is ongoing. FIDL is being developed for B-1. MADL will be developed for and integrated on B-2 to enable Global Strike (GS), Global Persistent Attack (GPA) and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. Bomber Tactical Data Link program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, since it supports integration of tactical data links into operational systems.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0207446F_7_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: In FY09, funding was added to complete B-1 Fully Integrated Data Links (FIDL) System Development and Demonstration (SDD).
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Airborne
• Beyond Line Of Sight
• Command And Control
• Command And Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Data Links
• Data Transmission
• Digital Data
• Engineering
• Line Of Sight
• Situational Awareness
• Systems Engineering
• Tactical Data Links
• Targeting
• Targets
• Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• 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
• Space