C2ISR 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 increase mission effectiveness, provide situational awareness, and provide positive identification of aircraft in the network, correlate on- and off-board sensor data sharing, target, and threat information, and provide the datalink to accomplish time critical targeting and other mission update functions. 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), and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT). TDL efforts include incorporating changes and additions to the Link-16 message standard (MIL-STD-6016D) and applicable Interface Change Proposals (ICPs), assisting with AF and Joint interoperability certification testing with the Air Force Command and Control Integration Center (AFC2IC) and Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC); 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 and Global Persistent Attack CONOPS. This effort provides critical capability and enhancements to the Airborne Network by creating common development, integration and interoperability among ground and C2 platforms and responds to Quick Reaction Capability integration and demonstration including, but not limited to Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), the Air and Space Operations Center (AOC), Global Hawk, Predator, Reaper, Rivet Joint, Combat Sent, and Cobra Ball. TDLs keep all C2ISR Platforms and data linked weapons current/interoperable in the Airborne Network to enable Global Strike (GS), Global Persistent Attack (GPA), Offensive and Defensive Counterair (OCA and DCA) 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 to include the period of dual E-3 AWACS mission configuration ending in FY15. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0207448F_7_3600_PB_2012
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• C4I
• Sensors
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Defense
• Air Force
• Airborne
• Airborne Warning And Control System
• Aircrafts
• Command And Control
• Command And Control Systems
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Data Links
• Line Of Sight
• Radar
• Situational Awareness
• Tactical Data Links
• Targeting
• Targets
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

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