Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT)
Abstract
The AACT effort is not new, but a regrouping of prior efforts and evolving similar activities. It includes all technology developments efforts required to enhance the execution of combat in contested and highly contested environments. It includes areas of prior investment such as the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), the Small Form Factor Efforts (SFF), the Software Programmable Open Mission Systems (OMS) Compliant (SPOC) multi-function processor (MFP), and other similar activities such as new MFP development, or incorporation or integration of advanced communications technology efforts. Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) is a waveform designed to mitigate the effects of advanced jamming in Anti- Access/Area Denial environments, and prior efforts included the HAAM-R and BiFrost projects. Small Form Factor (SFF) efforts support the development and demonstration of Small Form Factor (SFF) technologies that can support Digitally Assisted Close Air Support (DACAS) and other missions across the full spectrum of operating environments. This effort considers System-of-Systems (SoS) engineering, technical analysis/performance, platform integration, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to best utilize technologies and acquisition approaches for enterprise modernization. SFF Phase II (TURTLE) is a rapid prototyping and demonstration effort. Link 16 Enhancements develop and field Link 16 Anti Jam (AJ) capabilities on 4th and 5th generation platforms to address Link 16 jamming threats in the contested and highly contested environments. This effort implements Link 16 technologies into TDL terminals and investigates integration of additional baseline(s) to efficiently execute development and enhancements. Emerging technologies are developed and evaluated for efficacy; recommendations are identified for appropriate terminal fielding/upgrades to platforms and will be considered when evaluating enterprise TDL capabilities/gaps. Early development of Software Programmable Open mission system Compliant (SPOC) radio was completed within Link 16 Enhancements efforts. An FY23 Congressional Add for this effort is geared to integrating and testing new waveforms and pursuing platform integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- bbccea497a489b9aeb3c36eb15b845d7