C2ISR Tactical Data Link

Mission — E-7 source

Tactical Data Links (TDL), as a subset of the broader airborne network, are used in a combat environment to exchange information such as messages, data, radar tracks, target information, platform status, imagery, and command assignments. TDLs provide interoperability, local and global connectivity, and situational awareness to the user when operating under rapidly changing operational conditions. TDLs provide a jam-resistant; secure digital data transfer network capability with new and standardized waveforms and data formats allowing Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line- of-Sight (BLOS) intra- and inter-flight communications. TDLs increase mission effectiveness, provide positive identification of aircraft in the network, correlate on and off-board sensor data sharing, target, and threat information, and provide the data link to accomplish time critical targeting and other mission update functions. TDLs are used by all service theater Command and Control (C2) elements, weapons platforms, and sensors. This program provides critical capability and enhancements to the airborne network by supporting common development, integration and interoperability among ground and C2 platforms and responds to quick reaction capability integration and demonstration The E-7 program replaces the unsustainable E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). The E-3 AWACS, first fielded in the 1970s, is at the end of its service life, and costly to maintain. The E-7 will serve as the USAF's principal airborne platform for airborne command and control and airborne moving target indicator, providing a reliable, persistent critical node in the long range kill chain for the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC). Project E-7 funds E-7A advanced communications data studies (to include but not limited to hybrid SATCOM, Internet Protocol Beyond Line-of-Sight (IP-BLOS), and datalink), analysis, and further requirements definition, and software and hardware development and testing. These advanced communication capabilities not in the E-7A Rapid Prototyping Baseline are required to increase E-7A communications resiliency, enabling seamless connectivity with the DAF Battle Network and ensuring that the platform can connect to various SATCOM networks and datalinks should one or more SATCOM networks or datalinks become unavailable. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, or 0606398F. In FY 2024, $0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY 2025, $0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)