TACTICAL DATA NETWORKS ENTERPRISE

Abstract

The Tactical Data Networks Enterprise (TDNE) contributes to the development, delivery and deployment of the next generation aerial layer network through a portfolio of legacy and advanced waveform development/management efforts that advance interoperability and connectivity. This will be accomplished via fielded and future ground and gateway investments while addressing warfighter urgent demands through the establishment of Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRC). The TDNE conceptualizes, acquires and fields aerial networking capabilities to support legacy, current, in-development, and future systems across all domains of information exchange that enables strike, mobility, special operations, Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air, surface, subsurface and space operations. These capabilities ensure a robust and agile extension of the global information domain down to the tactical edge in support of the warfighter. Funding will provide for the study, analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, test, and evaluation of Tactical Data Links (TDLs) as a subset of the broader Aerial Layer Network. TDLs are used in both peace time and combat environments to exchange information such as character-oriented and fixed-formatted messages, data, radar tracks, target information, platform status, imagery, free-text messaging and command assignments. TDLs provide interoperability, local and global connectivity, and situational awareness to the user when operating under rapidly changing operational conditions. TDLs increase mission effectiveness by providing enhanced situational awareness, positive combat identification of aircraft in the network, correlation of on- and off-board sensor data, digital sharing of machine to machine target and threat information, thereby, enabling time critical targeting and other mission assignment tasking. 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), Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL), and other Advanced Tactical Data Link technologies, such as Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), and Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). Funding also supports Family of Gateway study, analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, test, and evaluation efforts that will allow joint combat forces to exchange information quickly and accurately by bridging discrete airborne, terrestrial, maritime, and space-based C4ISR networks to produce operational effects not possible within individual networks. Gateway functions include enabling interoperability between data formats, protocols, and communication mediums. Additionally, gateway functions extend the range of connectivity, consolidate data from multiple networks into high capacity links for transmission to key C4ISR nodes, routes information between disadvantaged users, and correlates data from multiple sources to improve accuracy. Gateway functions also provide application hosting, shared data storage, on-demand information access, smart data forwarding, and system monitoring/network management. Funding will also support Quick Reaction Response capability requests by the warfighter and support activities associated with the Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN) Analysis of Alternatives. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full-rate production.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
0604281F_5_3600_PB_2012
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2011 budget reflects implementation, testing, and initial fielding of the BACN capability on the Global Hawk platform (under the Family of Gateways project). FY 2012 funding reduction due to cancellation of Network Enabled Weapons efforts and realignment of funding for higher AF priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Airborne
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Control Systems
  • Cost Analysis
  • Data Links
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Defense Systems
  • Demonstrations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Tactical Data Links
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Transitions

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • 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

Related Documents