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 waveforms and airborne network management/development 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 layer networking capabilities supporting legacy, current, in-development, future and proposed systems across all domains of information exchange enabling 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 out to the tactical edge in support of increasing air domain awareness. Funding will provide for the study (acquisitions current and proposed), analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, test, and evaluation of Tactical Data Links (TDLs) as a subset of the broader aerial layer networks. 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 air domain situational awareness, positive combat identification of aircraft in the network, fusion/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 TDL Link technologies, such as Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) and Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). TDLs typically include both a waveform specification as well as the standards for exchanging messages. Funding also supports Family of Gateways study (acquisitions current and proposed), analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, test, and evaluation efforts that will allow multi-national combat forces to exchange information quickly and accurately by bridging discrete airborne, terrestrial, maritime, and space-based C4ISR networks producing operational effects not possible within individual networks (i.e. Battlefield Airborne Communication Node). Gateway functions include enabling interoperability between data formats, protocols, and communication mediums. Additionally, gateway functions extend connectivity range, consolidate data from multiple networks into high capacity links for transmission to key C4ISR nodes, route information between disadvantaged users, and fuse/correlate 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 (including ramp-up) associated with the Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN) Enterprise Analysis of Alternatives and its follow-on activities as directed by the JALN Council, in line with applicability of existing TDL performance, upgrade plans, engineering analysis, cost analysis of system designs and TDN Performance Improvements. This includes studies and planning for gateway nodes with the JALN Enterprise. Funding will ensure continued enhanced interoperability of Air Force and joint assets through efforts such as early systems engineering and use of the Political, Operational, Economic and Technical (POET) process for program requirements analysis and architectural design development/coordination of all TDN standards and management capabilities, configuration management, platform/system interoperability assessments, development of government reference architectures, interoperability certification testing, and flight testing. This includes North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Command and Control and Communications (NATO C3I) interoperability studies and analysis. 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. The FY2016 funding request was reduced by $2.114 million to account for the availability of prior execution balances.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2016
Source ID
0604281F_5_3600_PB_2016
Change Summary Explanation
Total FY16 funding change is $9.883 and includes an FY16 funding increase of $12.427 for 5th to 4th Generation Gateway development. The FY16 funding request was reduced by $2.144M to account for the availability of prior execution balances. The FY16 funding request was further reduced by $.400M to adjust for inflation.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Configuration Management
  • Control Systems
  • Cost Analysis
  • Data Links
  • Engineering
  • Radio Equipment
  • Situational Awareness
  • Standards
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Warfare

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