Battlefield Airborne Comm Node (BACN)
Abstract
Air Force operations rely on secure communications capability for Command-and-Control messages, threat messages, target updates, etc. Adversaries continually attempt to detect, intercept, decrypt, defeat, disrupt, deny or degrade these communications capabilities--driving the Air Force to continuously upgrade its systems with enhanced encryption, increased technology for low probability of detection (LPD), low probability of interception (LPI), anti-jamming (AJ), increased security and performance engineering, and enhanced throughput and interoperability. These efforts ensure life-saving data can be transmitted before, during and after operations without adversary hostile intervention via secure and reliable communication paths. The communications paths utilized are often referred to as datalinks over which are transmitted messages via specific waveforms through radios, multi-function processors and affiliated and associated technologies in accordance with specifications and standards. 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, such as BACN; supports releasability engineering, cyber engineering, digital engineering, encryption and safety compliance, et al. Budget Program Activity Code (BPAC) 675383 is primarily focused on Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload weapon system components. This funding will be represented in PE 0207238F BACN in future budget cycles. 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. 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_0604281F_7_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Tactical Data Networks Enterprise
- Child Accomplishment: Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN)
- Child Cost Item: 17916e5fbfabb1b0846a0f51543f136c