E-4B NATIONAL AIRBORNE OPERATIONS CENTER

Abstract

E-4B NAOC fleet satisfies the military need for an airborne operations center with communications capabilities that permit military and civilian leadership to monitor and control military and civil national assets during all phases of nuclear and non-nuclear conflict or natural disaster. The E-4B NAOC fleet also satisfies the military requirement to provide a highly survivable node of the National Military Command System (NMCS). Developmental modifications include, but are not limited to, upgrades and enhancements to aircraft structures, propulsion system, fuel system, environmental control system, electrical generation and distribution systems, flight safety and navigation systems (with their associated communications equipment), and the related aircraft operations center facilities, equipment, and communications necessary for the E-4B fleet to execute its mission. Additionally, funds may be utilized to explore modifications, upgrades, and future systems required to meet mission requirements. Developmental modifications and studies/projects currently underway or planned for accomplishment under this program include: - The Air Force requested RDT&E funds in FY10 to continue analysis for a replacement fleet based on the recommendations of the E-4B NAOC Aircraft Replacement AoA. Funds will be utilized to develop a Technology Development Strategy, Test and Evaluation Strategy, Systems Engineering Plan, Lifecycle Management Plan, Initial Capabilities Document, and other required documents leading up to a Milestone A decision. A number of risk reduction studies, such as a sustainability study and antenna/communications technology study, will also be accomplished. - Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) testing will be conducted in FY10 and FY11 to validate the E-4B fleet compliance with updated EMP protection Mil Standards. FY10-11 RDT&E funds will be used to fully test each aircraft. The E-4B fleet will begin an annual EMP testing program with O&M funds once a baseline has been established for each aircraft. - The Secure Data Crypto modification replaces various E-4B cryptographic systems currently scheduled to be decertified by the National Security Agency (NSA). This modification ensures the continued transmission and receipt of critical strategic force orders. Funds for this modification will be used to design an engineering solution, develop compatible software, procure new secure data devices, and integrate NSA approved and Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) compliant secure data cryptographic devices and associated peripherals on the aircraft. - The Super High Frequency (SHF) Multiplexor (MUX) project integrates a more capable and logisitically supportable MUX to replace the obsolete and temporary solution used today. The current SHF MUX is prone to intermittent disconnects and poor performance. A new device will allow the E-4B to better meet requirements of transmitting combined secure and non-secure digital data streams via satellite. This effort will install and test a new SHF MUX into the E-4B. - The CNS/ATM modification upgrades the air traffic communications systems to improve Navigation and Instrument Approach capabilities. These ongoing modifications are required to comply with both U.S. and international air traffic management requirements and maintain world-wide (anytime/anywhere) availability. This modification will add Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Out capability, replace the obsolete Flight Management Computer (FMC), and upgrade or install required systems to meet domestic and foreign CNS/ATM requirements. This is expected to be an on-going program to meet evolving CNS/ATM requirements. - Secure, Survivable Communication modifications will upgrade and replace existing systems required to meet existing National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-28 and NSPD-51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-20 requirements and to ensure continued connectivity and interoperability as satellite and communications infrastructure evolves. Expected modifications requiring RDT&E include, but are not limited to, installation of Family of Beyond-Line-of-Site Terminals (FAB-T), Presidential National Voice Conferencing (PNVC), modification of the current Super High Frequency (SHF) system to meet immediate needs, and eventual replacement of the SHF System. FAB-T Command Post Terminals will replace the MILSTAR Terminal and provide access to protected wideband Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite networks. PNVC replaces Survivable Emergency Conferencing Network (SECN), which will not be supported once the AEHF satellite network is in place. Modification of the current SHF system is required in the near-term to replace the most critically obsolete components to ensure that the system remains operable and logistically supportable until a replacement system is fielded. A replacement to the SHF system is required as secure, survivable communications capability transitions from the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). The E-4B program is categorized as a Budget Activity 7 - Operational System Development, because it develops modifications for a fielded system.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
0302015F_7_3600_PB_2011
Change Summary Explanation
FY09 RDT&E ($3.9M) was removed upon Congressional approval of Reprogramming Action FY09-04 PA, Nuclear Surety. $26M in FY10 for EMP Test execution, SHF MUX Upgrade development, CNS/ATM development, and for Next Generation NAOC analysis. $7M added to FY11 for Secure, Survivable Communications development since last year's budget submission. Reduced level of effort for EMP Test execution, SHF MUX Upgrade development, and CNS/ATM development in FY11 compared to FY10, and no funds requested for Next Gen funding in FY11.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Traffic
  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cost Analysis
  • Frequency
  • Homeland Security
  • National Security
  • Natural Disasters
  • Navigation
  • Network Protocols
  • Networks
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Satellite Networks
  • Security
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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