Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap 2005-2030 - Federation of ...

UAS ROADMAP 2005
CDL terminals typically support full duplex, jam-resistant, secure digital communications in either X or
Ku-band at selectable data rates ranging from 0.2-2 Mbit/s on the forward link (command/control data)
and with return link (sensor data) rates from 10-274 Mbit/s. In recent years, CDL applications have been
extended to a variety of manned and unmanned tactical platforms, fueled by affordability advances led by
the tactical common data link (TCDL) program which introduced intermediate-level performance and
interoperability at the lower (< 45 Mbit/s) CDL data rates. Continuing advances and leveraging of
commercial microelectronics have since extended similar technology-cost advantages to full-rate CDL
applications. Although most CDL applications employ point-to-point radio links between the ISR
collection platform and processing terminal, emerging applications entail point-to-multipoint
(simplex/broadcast) operations to multiple receive-only terminals. Additional ongoing CDL capability
enhancements include:
� Increased forward and return link data rates (up to 45 Mbit/s, 1096 Mbit/s respectively) to address
evolving forward link applications and bandwidth demands posed by high performance hyper-spectral
and multi-sensor platforms.
� Enhanced point-to-multipoint capabilities providing full duplex, low-latency network
communications between a central (collection or fusion) node and its multiple (sensor or user) client
nodes.
� Advanced Waveforms providing variable bandwidth on demand (ranging from 10Kbit/s – 274
Mbit/s), optimized for IP-based data transfer, and enhanced RF link range/weather/jamming
performance.
� System architecture/software migration to JTRS SCA compliance. Although envisioned objective
capabilities pose software/waveform portability and interoperability advantages, current JTRS
technology base and associated performance does not currently meet user and system throughput
requirements.
� Transition to IP-based user interfaces. Historically, CDL based systems were not networked on either
the air or surface ends of the link. The approach taken by the platform/ integrating contractor towards
integration of multiple sensors/functions into the CDL interface would generally entail optimization
for the specific program application, although often at the expense of compounding or precluding
interoperability with other programs/Services. Custom conventions generally would entail the
methods by which multi-sensor data would be multiplexed external to CDL and bit-stuffing or other
means by which the aggregate would be bandwidth matched to the one or multiple CDL synchronous
channels. The recent trend within CDL, now motivated by the OSD mandate, requires the provision
of an IP-based CDL user interface to the platform. This should effectively eliminate custom platform
integration conventions helping to establish CDL as part of a seamless GIG communications
infrastructure.
Variant CDL Program Descriptions
Tactical Common Data Link. Provides simplex or, full duplex, and jam-resistant links for tactical UA
and other applications, with initial prototype demonstrations supporting 200 Kbit/s forward link and 10.7
Mbit/s return link rates. Ongoing developments are currently expanding to full rate capabilities (up to 45
Mbit/s forward link and 274 Mbit/s return link). The Army's Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV)
Operational Requirements Document (ORD) requires TCDL, as does Fire Scout. Both the Army and the
CDL Program Office are pursuing miniaturization of the TCDL for tactical UA applications.
Multi-Role – TCDL (MR-TCDL). Flexible, scaleable, modular, and programmable data link that can be
reconfigured through software programmable subsystems and plug-and-play modules for a variety of
missions and applications. MR-TCDL will be interoperable with the existing CDL systems and provide a
wideband “clear channel” for bandwidth-on-demand requirements of future applications. Through IP
networking, and SCA modularity, MR-TCDL will provide a full mesh, self-healing network that will
strengthen the Army Intelligence Community’s ability to allow the Army Knowledge Enterprise
APPENDIX C - COMMUNICATIONS
Page C-8