Air Mobility Plan, 2008 - The Black Vault

OSA/VIPSAM Roadmap
C-20 Defensive Systems
The C-20 needs Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) for protection against infrared
(IR) and manportable air defense systems (MANPADS) missile threats.
Enhanced Mode S
Mode S enhanced surveillance is defined as the carriage of a Level 2 Mode S transponder that can
support air-ground reporting of aircraft identification (radio call sign) and data link capability via
the Mode S ground-initiated Comm-B protocol. The European Civil Aviation Authorities and other
International Civil Aviation Organization regions require this. Implementation was mandated by
2005 with military waivers until 2009.
Flight Management System/Global Positioning System Replacement
FMS on the C-21 is obsolete technology and has significant limitations and insufficient memory
capacity. The paired GPS, to include antenna (Trimble TA-6), is out of production and is no longer
supported by the manufacturer. The FMS is not capable of remote/oceanic navigation with current
GPS sensors and single-FMS installation. This is in addition to the Mode S impacts already described
above.
Senior Leader Communications
Senior leader communications will be a scalable, modular, interoperable, and integrated system to be
deployed on commercial derivative and specially equipped military aircraft to support senior leader
mission areas of responsibility while they are traveling by air.
Current Requirements and Planning Council items for senior leader communications are:
• C-20B MCS Replacement – The current C-20 MCS is challenged with obsolescence issues.
• Broadband Solution – The C-32A, C-40B, C-37A, C-20B/H, and C-9C require more reliable,
higher-speed off-board connectivity that provides greater configuration capability.
• Permanent Voice over Internet Protocol – The C-32A, C-40B, and C-37A require permanent,
state-of-the-art VoIP capability. This system would provide the primary means for a secure
voice capability.
• TARS Service Replacement – The current TARS provider is ending service in 2008. The C-9C,
C-20B/H, C-21, C-32, C-37, and C-40B need to find another provider for this radio service.
20,000-Flight Hour Safe Life Parts Replacement
C-21s will require this parts replacement program at 20,000 hours. This requires mandatory
replacement of the Safe Life Parts as listed in the FAA-approved replacement schedule (Chapter
5-11-00) within the C-21A Maintenance Manual. SPO anticipates aircraft to start reaching 20,000
hours by FY 2012.
Mobility Air Forces Data Link Integration
The OSA/VIPSAM fleet requires global secure communications to ensure mission accomplishment
in support of USAF CONOPS. Currently, AMC is pursuing secure line-of-sight (LOS) (i.e., Link 16),
beyond line-of-sight (BLOS), and intelligence-broadcast-receive capabilities, as well as connectivity
to the global information grid (GIG) via airborne networking architecture, under the MAF DLI
effort.
OSA/VIPSAM
Deficiencies/Solutions
MAF
Deficiencies/Solutions
Reference
Documents
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OCT 07