Multifunction Advanced Data Link
Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft.[1] 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.[2] MADL uses the Ku band.[3]
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.
The MADL could be used beyond a 4 ship flight.[4]
Platforms
- The F-22 MADL upgrade was cancelled in 2010[5]
- The F-35 will have MADL built in
- B-2 Spirit
- US Navy surface combatants with Baseline 9 Aegis Combat System can take targeting data from F-35s via MADL.[6][7]
See also
References
- Modelling radio propagation and contention in emulated defence networks, MilCIS, 8–10 November 2011, by M. Britton and A. Coyle.
- Harris Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) Archived 2009-06-26 at the Wayback Machine
- "Israel, U.S. Agree To $450 Million In F-35 EW Work." Av Week, 6 August 2012.
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- http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/
- LaGrone, Sam (13 September 2016). "Successful F-35, SM-6 Live Fire Test Points to Expansion in Networked Naval Warfare". news.usni.org. USNI News. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
- Seligman, Lara (24 November 2016). "How F-35 Is Transforming U.S. Marine Corps Strike Operations". aviationweek.com. Penton. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
External links
- Sweetman, Bill (2007-12-11). "F-22 and F-35 Suffer From Network Gaps". Aviation Week. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Archived from the original on 2012-01-11.
- 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. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
- Paone, Chuck (2009-04-07). "AFMC team works to improve communication between new fighters, bomber". U.S. Air Force Materiel Command. Archived from the original on 2009-06-27. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
- Paone, Chuck (2009-02-17). "Airborne networking team works to meet challenges". U.S. Air Force Materiel Command. Archived from the original on 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2009-08-07.