TDL System Integration
Abstract
The Tactical Data Networks Enterprise (TDNE) program element analyzes and evaluates requirements, designs, develops, enhances, and fields prospective or needed systems. The TDNE focuses on the research, analysis, design, development, test, evaluation and fielding or other capability development of Tactical Datalink (TDL), gateway, radio, multi-function processor, antenna, multi-function aperture, license, waveform and other associated equipment, technology or capabilities. TDNE develops, enhances and fields technologies, architectures, documentation, tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities. These efforts enhance Air Force communications capacity, efficiency, affordability, integration and optimization. TDNE supports interoperability of Air Force to: Air Force, Joint, Coalition, and NATO (Allied), and other partner platforms and systems; supports releasability engineering, cyber engineering, digital engineering, encryption and safety compliance, et al. Tactical Data Links (TDL) System Integration provides for the study, analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, joint/coalition/NATO interoperability exercises, costing, test, trials, and evaluation of TDL as a subset of the broader aerial layer network. Products include interoperability standards and reports, waveform standards, and hardware/software technical solutions. The number of Air Force platforms hosting TDLs has expanded from C2 aircraft to the fighter, bomber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), tanker, airlift and other tactical fleets as well as precision guided munitions. Utilization of TDLs in joint and international environments requires the integration of terminals into host platforms and interoperability of TDL networks across all deployed joint/Coalition/NATO platforms. USAF mandates require additional studies and analysis to meet frequency reprogramming and cryptographic requirements. To deliver TDL capabilities to required platforms and users, Tactical Data Links (TDL) System Integration is broken into four main thrusts of Tactical Data Links and Gateways (TDL&G) Integration, Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT), the Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN) program (which evolved from and includes prior Agile Communications efforts), and Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) activities. Tactical Data Links and Gateways (TDL&G) Integration activities consist of TDL integration and waveform management to ensure host platforms and users have current TDL waveforms, network access, and interoperability. This includes enabling and supporting Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS), joint/Coalition/NATO Interoperability, Link 16 enhancements, cybersecurity and performance testing, requirements analysis and fleet roadmapping efforts. In addition to integration efforts for new and existing TDLs, these activities require funding for test units and facilities, interoperability management systems, and assessment tools to implement waveform standards to meet system information exchange requirements. Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT) activities consist of developing and demonstrating new technologies to enable host platforms and users. This includes but is not limited to the development of capabilities to reduce the effects of advanced jamming in Anti-Access/Area Denial environments and increase communications resiliency for platforms and users. Technical solutions developed under this effort include, but are not limited to, Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), Small Form Factor (SFF)/Digitally Assisted Close Air Support (DACAS), Software Programmable Open Mission System (OMS) Compliant (SPOC) radio and Link 16 Enhancements. The Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN) program evolved from and incorporates prior Agile Communications efforts to enhance interoperability. It includes the capability to share tactically significant information within/to/from highly contested environments in support of the Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan. It supports the application of open standards & advanced apertures over an Enterprise-wide Aerial Network, enabling all platforms to share combat-relevant data/info to, from and within the Highly Contested Environment (HCE). The CTEN program is primarily a software (SW) overlay network that routes data within and between permissive, contested, and highly contested environments through content routing to establish connections between heterogeneous networks across different media and domains. CTEN is considered a core enabling program for the DAF Battle Network and is a key enabler of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). The CTEN efforts include the prior classified and unclassified Agile Communications efforts, along with their interoperability with affiliated cross-Service and Joint capabilities and efforts such as the Joint Tactical Edge Network (JTEN). Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) activities consist of executing both the Waveform Sponsor role for SATURN as well supporting Headquarters Air Force in its Lead Service role for SATURN. Each role consists of several distinct engineering and development responsibilities, to include, but not limited to leading and overseeing the development, refinement, updating, and US interoperability of the SATURN Waveform and its associated development efforts such as, for example, the SATURN Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) program. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to support, manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capabilities across platforms, aerial network, and tactical data network enterprise. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2023, 0.900M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY2024, 1.272M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. FY 2023 includes 0 thousand in Overseas Operations Costs (OOC) Actuals. FY 2024 includes $1,792 in OOC Requested. FY 2025 includes $1,831 for the OOC Budget Estimate.  OOC were financed previously with former Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Overseas Operations Costs funding accounted for in the Base budget total $1,831.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 655050_0604281F_5_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Tactical Data Networks Enterprise
- Child Accomplishment: Tactical Data Links and Gateways (TDL&G) Integration
- Child Accomplishment: High Capacity Backbone (HCB)
- Child Accomplishment: Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT)
- Child Accomplishment: Agile Comms - Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN)
- Child Accomplishment: Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN)
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