BATTLEFIELD AIRBORNE COMM NODE (BACN)

Abstract

Budget Program Activity Code (BPAC) 675383 is primarily focused on BACN payload weapon system components. Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) enables tactical edge Joint and Coalition information interoperability via air, space, and surface systems, to include a network for high-capacity data transfer. As requirements emerge, BACN will integrate new hardware and software capabilities that improve system performance, interoperability, availability, prototyping of activities in line with department approach of system development upgrades to support current/future Open Mission System (OMS) technologies. Efforts may include onboard enhancements such as datalink receiving capability in platform cockpit to include but not limited to Link-16, as well as analysis and developmental efforts to explore feasibility of onboard operators to support onboard payload control capabilities. Efforts include, but are not limited to, expansion of external time reference capabilities, development/integration of additional communications systems/subsystems and components such as Ka-Band Satellite Communications (Ka-SATCOM), Integrated Broadcast System (IBS), Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW). Integration of advanced antennas and waveforms, development efforts enabling integration of ABMS/ JADC2 capabilities, enhancements to ground support capabilities. Additionally, safety of flight considerations, to include weapon system performance, aircraft structural integrity, availability, continuity of service requirements will be addressed, aircraft avionics upgrades, as well as early system engineering assessments and risk reduction activities associated with weapon system payload & platform survivability in non-contested through contested environments. Efforts include required non-recurring engineering and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues, the development of simulators/trainers, development of training materials, the development of future waveforms that are backwards compatible with existing communications, and technical publications as well as the assimilation of any mandates levied on the BACN weapon system. Execute risk reduction activities for development of future capabilities on BACN payload/aircraft efforts. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0604281F. In FY2023, $1.110M was expended for civilian pay expenses in program element 0604281F, and in FY2024, $1.325M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element 0207238F. 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, 2025
• Source ID: 675383_0207238F_7_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space