Multifunction Advanced Data Link
Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a future data waveform to provide secure data-linking technology between stealth aircraft. It began as a method to coordinate between F-35 aircraft (the Joint Strike Fighter), but HQ Air Combat Command wants to expand the capability to coordinate future USAF strike forces of all AF stealth aircraft, including the B-2, F-22, and unmanned systems. MADL is expected to provide needed throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability with phased Array Antenna Assemblies (AAAs) that send and receive tightly directed radio signals.[1] MADL uses the Ku band.[2]
The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics directed the Air Force and Navy to integrate MADL among the F-22, F-35 and B-2, to one another and to the rest of network.
As of 2010, the Air Force has canceled upgrade plans for the F-22 to receive MADL citing technology maturity risks.
Critics contend that since Link 16 is the standard by which U.S. and Allied aircraft communicate, upgrades to Link-16 radios should be supported that can provide the same capabilities as MADL while maintaining interoperability.[citation needed]
MADL's line of sight nature and limited range restrict the scenarios where it can be used to connect beyond a four aircraft flight.[3]
Platforms
- The F-22 MADL upgrade was cancelled in 2010[4]
- The F-35 will have MADL built in
- B-2 Spirit
See also
References
External links
- Sweetman, Bill (2007-12-11). "F-22 and F-35 Suffer From Network Gaps". Aviation Week. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
- Paone, Chuck (2009-04-09). "Center team works to connect new fighters, bomber". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2012-12-12.
- Reed, John (2008-11-07). "To ensure increased combat effectiveness..." The Integrator. U.S. 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office.
- Paone, Chuck (2009-04-07). "AFMC team works to improve communication between new fighters, bomber". U.S. Air Force Materiel Command.
- Paone, Chuck (2009-02-17). "Airborne networking team works to meet challenges". U.S. Air Force Materiel Command.