KC-135 Upgrades

Abstract

The KC-135 currently utilizes the legacy V/UHF satellite system, UHF Follow-On (UFO), to communicate with their controlling Command & Control (C2) agencies and other warfighters. This program adds to the current system by providing Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) and Line Of Sight (LOS) capability for secure voice and C2 data communications exchange between MAF aircraft and C2 agencies and is capable of operating with new crypto algorithms being developed under the VINSON/ANDVT Crypto Modernization (VACM) Program. This program has 4 combined 1067s to meet the requirement: AF Form 1067 AMC 10-050 Crypto - KC-135 currently uses the ARC-210 Gen 3 (RT-1794) radios to provide secure and non-secure voice communications. The ARC-210 Gen 3 requires replacement due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources issues and due to NSA Crypto Modernization requirements. This 1067 covers the requirement to replace KC-135 COMM 3 radio installation with a modern crypto capable radio. AF Form 1067 AMC 15-046 MUOS- KC-135 requires global BLOS secure voice and secure data communications via UHF MILSATCOM connectivity. This 1067 dictates the requirement to install a MUOS capable radio solution in order to fully utilize DOD's new UHF MILSATCOM constellation and waveform. AF Form 1067 AMC 16-053 SATURN- KC-135 requires the significantly improved anti-jam capabilities provided by Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF radio for NATO (SATURN) to replace the currently installed HAVE QUICK II anti-jam capability. HAVE QUICK II is a sunsetting crypto program that requires replacement by SATURN. This 1067 requires KC-135 to implement SATURN capability when installing a MUOS capable radio. AF Form 1067 AMC 17-039 IW - KC-135 will ensure, when installing a MUOS capable radio, that installation will also support secure BLOS voice communications connectivity with the legacy Integrated Waveform (IW) communications system. KC-135 funding also supports Program Management Administration (PMA),various studies, analyses, and KC-135 requirements definition and demonstrations in support of Air Force Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) initiative. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the KC-135 weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY 2020 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2021 $0.000 million is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 675261_0401218F_7_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space