Core Avionics Master Plan - NAVAIR - U.S. Navy

Core Avionics Master Plan 2011 Appendix A-2E. Anti-Access Tactical Data Link. Anti Access refers to operations in regionswith a threat level high enough to require Low Observable (LO) platforms.1. Current capabilities.Naval Aviation currently does not have a 5 th generation Low Probability of Intercept(LPI) or Low Probability of Detection (LPD) data link.2. Funded Enhancements and Potential Pursuits.Anti-Access Tactical Data Link (Multi-function Advanced Data Link – MADL).(2014) MADL waveform is being developed by the F-35B/C Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)program to fill this capability. MADL is the unique LO Data Link originally designed forthe F-35 as an intra-flight data link within the Anti-Access Region. It was designed tooperate as a linear network architecture ("daisy chain”) optimized for a limited number ofnodes. MADL is a Ku Band, short/medium range, directional, dynamic, LPI/LPD IP link.Stealth Interoperability (iMADL) (2018) MADL is proposed to be reengineered towork as an inter-flight LO data link within Anti-Access region and be also integrated onthe F-22 and B-2.F. Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Data Link / FullMotion Video (FMV).1. Current capabilities.The Standard Common Data Link (STD-CDL) is mandated as DoD‟s ISR data linkfor wideband transmission of imagery and signals intelligence. STD-CDL is a LOS fullduplex link capable of operating in either X-band (9750 – 10440 MHz) or KU-band(14500 – 15350 MHz). Both require directional antennas, making CDL a point-to-pointdata link. CDL is deployed on Naval Maritime Patrol platforms, helicopters, Navy ships,and Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) sensor pods, such as the F/A-18 SharedReconnaissance Pod (SHARP pod). CDL was originally developed by the Air Force tooperate with the U2 and has evolved to the current version specified by Rev F of theCDL specification which specifies 15 waveforms that provide data rates from 200 Kbpsto 274 Mbps. Interoperability has been an issue for CDL systems due to lack ofstandards beyond the specified physical and link layer specified in the CDLspecification. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) had employed various non-standarddata links in C, L and S bands to disseminate ISR data until 2005 when STD-CDL wasmandated for all UAVs exceeding 30 pounds. A smaller Ku-band Tactical CDL (TCDL)that provides data rates of 10.71 and 21.42 Mbps was developed for smaller tacticalplatforms, helicopters and UAVs. Latest versions of TCDL support data rates up to 45Mbps. Man portable receive terminals have been developed to enable ground troops toreceive FMV from airborne terminals. Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver(ROVER) provides FMV from airborne platforms to LOS users via airborne, mobile,fixed, or man-portable terminals. ROVER I deployed as an air-to-air C-bandcommunications link for Predator video. ROVER II added air-to-ground support for thesame video links. ROVER III added L and Ku band coverage along with more robustpackaging. Enhanced ROVER III added digital video recording. ROVER IV has S-bandcoverage and smaller antennas. ROVER V is a handheld form factor that employsadvanced encryption standards.A-2 Information Exchange 8