The airborne reconnaissance fleet is migrating toward common datalink compliance. The tactical common datalink is a low-cost, lightweight communications system slated to complete development in fiscal year 1999, the general offers. DARO sponsored a study for the integration of the common datalink on the airborne reconnaissance low platform. In a related demonstration last July, systems interfaces and interoperability were validated. The datalink airborne units must be no larger than 23 inches x 10 inches x 3 inches, weigh less than 16.5 pounds and consume less than 300 watts of power.
Emphasis is on commercial systems and components and an open systems architecture.
Flight tests are planned to take place in fiscal year 1999. Sponsored by DARO and managed by the Air Force, the ABIT prime contractor is L3 Communications. Trex Communications, San Diego, California, is responsible for the optical terminal, which has passed critical design review. Veda Incorporated, Dayton, Ohio, is responsible for aircraft integration and instrumentation of the flight test. Laser communications with low probability of intercept and detection characteristics would also help alleviate spectral crowding associated with radio frequency communications.