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

UAS ROADMAP 2005
� Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL)
� Single Integrated Air Picture (SIAP)
� Air Traffic Control (ATC) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), expanded Mode S
Link 16 provides real time situation awareness of events taking place beyond the range of an aircraft’s
onboard sensors. Air Force AWACS and Joint STARS, plus the Navy Hawkeye, maintain the data
transmission of an integrated picture to all nodes on the network via Link 16. The current system is
closed. It is not IP base or web enabled.
IBS integrates the Tactical Intelligence Exchange System (TRIXS), Tactical Related Applications
(TRAP), the TRAP Data Distribution System (TDDS), the Tactical Information Broadcast System
(TIBS), the Global Command and Control System’s (GCCS) Near Real Time Dissemination (NRTD)
interface into a single situation awareness broadcast. SADL links U.S. Air Force close air support aircraft
with the U.S. Army's EPLRS. The SIAP is the air component of the Common Tactical Picture that is
generated and distributed by the various sensors and command and control systems. The IFF Mode S is a
secondary surveillance and communication system, which supports Air Traffic Control.
CHALLENGES
Impediments to Networked UA Communications
As the Services and industry work to make the ubiquitous network a reality, individual programs will
have to address a number of complex issues. While the solutions to these issues may be highly tailored to
individual program requirements, they must draw on GIG standards to assure seamless connectivity and
broad based information sharing. Current data link systems focus on aircraft and sensor technology rather
than network based interfaces, and often use unique formats for data transfer. The resultant, tightly
coupled interfaces preclude broad interoperability.
Traditional circuit based systems have enjoyed success over the years. Many users expect circuit
functionality and performance to be emulated in an IP environment. While dedicated circuits offer
performance precisely tailored to the operational requirement, they represent single points of failure and
often have limited interoperability/flexibility due to optimization for specialized applications. Sized for
peak demand, point-to-point circuits are not always required to operate at full capacity. Due to being
closed circuits, however, their surplus bandwidth is not available to external users.
Frequency Spectrum Considerations and Bandwidth Constraints
Many UAS use COTS data link equipment that offers the developers reduced costs for the equipment and
shorter development periods. Problems associated with using commercial RF for military applications
include being designed within the U.S. authorized spectrum, which means that they are given the “lowest”
priority within the United States and its Possessions (US&P). As a result, use of these frequencies may
be prohibited in some countries. The use of COTS usage for proof of concept is OKaccpetable on a
temporary basis, but the strong consideration must be given system must be replaced withselecting a
material solution that truly takes spectrum supportability into account. equipment that operates in theThis
includes considering equipment designed to operate in properly allocated band before field testing and
especially before entering formal development or large numbers are procured. Such replacement efforts
need to be programmed into the transition plan from ACTDs into a normal acquisition program.
RF spectrum challenges for UAS
� Spectrum use is controlled internationally by treaties and within the US&P by laws and regulations.
� Those treaties, laws, and regulations have divided the spectrum by type of service use, (e.g., radio
navigation, aeronautical mobile, fixed-satellite, and mobile satellite), by user (e.g., Government and
non-government), and by region (1) Europe, Africa, Former Soviet Union, and Near East; (2)
Western Hemisphere; and (3) Far East and Western Pacific.
APPENDIX C - COMMUNICATIONS
Page C-16