Family of Gateways

Abstract

Funding 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 C2ISR nodes, route information between disadvantaged users, and 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 in this project will also support Quick Reaction Capability requests by the warfighter such as the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) and the STRATCOM Distributed Nuclear Command and Control (DNC2) capabilities. Additionally, funding will support activities associated with the Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN) Analysis of Alternatives. Efforts in this project include waveform, ground, and quick reaction capability activities. Waveforms: Waveform activities include, but are not limited to Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) and Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL). CLIP is a software-only, platform-independent middleware application that provides gateway services between diverse message sets and waveforms. CLIP will initially be fielded on the B-1 and B-52 platforms. SADL integrates US Air Force close air support aircraft with the digitized battlefield via the US Army's Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS). Ground: Ground activities include, but are not limited to the Joint Air Defense System Integrator (JADSI), Joint Range Extension (JRE) functionality [which includes the JRE Transparent Multi-Platform Gateway (TMPG) Equipment Package (JTEP)], Pocket J, and Link 16 Alaska (LAK). Funding will support enhancements to the interoperability and capabilities of fielded gateways through processing capability upgrades, operating system updates, display/graphical user interface upgrades, incorporation of additional messaging standards and protocols, and completion of gateway architecture fielding. Quick Reaction Capability: Quick Reaction Capability activities include, but are not limited to, BACN, Communications Airborne Layer Expansion (CABLE), and STRATCOM DNC2. Funding will support AF rapid acquisition requirements for communications bridging of waveforms through Gateway technology. Additionally, funding will be utilized for STRATCOM classified capabilities. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning efforts for Family of Gateways. 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 655262_0604281F_5_3600_PB_2012

Tags

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