Airlift/Other 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 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), Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) and Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). This effort provides critical capability and enhancements to the Airborne Network by creating common development, integration and interoperability across the Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Fleets. This development effort incorporates Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) TDL capability into the Air Mobility and SOF Fleets to include, but not be limited to: C-17, KC-135, C-130, KC-10, C-5 and other Air Mobility, Refueling, and SOF aircraft. TDLs provide a secure, jam-resistant, digital-data-transfer-network capability with new and standardized waveform and data format allowing intra- and inter-flight communications. TDLs increase mission effectiveness, provide situational awareness, provide positive identification of aircraft in the network, correlate on- and off-board sensor data, target, and threat information. TDL efforts include, but are not limited to: changes and additions to the TDL message standard (MIL-STD-6016D) and other data link interoperability standards including necessary Interface Change Proposals (ICPs); interoperability certification testing with the Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC); future development, integration, and verification of TDL Operational Flight Program (OFP) upgrades and federated networking components and applications; data gathering processes for future network-centric assessments for all Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) platforms; and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) migration activities. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. Airlift/Other 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: 0401839F_7_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: In FY09, Congress provided USAF requested transfer of $12.612M APAF funding to $8.0M RDT&E funds.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• C4I
• Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Airborne
• Aircrafts
• Command And Control
• Command And Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Data Links
• Data Transmission
• Line Of Sight
• Network Protocols
• Radio Equipment
• Situational Awareness
• Standards
• Tactical Data Links
• Tactical Radios
• Test And Evaluation

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
• Space