F-35 MADL Achieves Successful Flight Test Milestone

[spazsinbad]

Repeated here ia a more suitable thread: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopi ... t-315.html

[mk82]

And yet MADL was not designed to be a WAN?

No, it was designed for high bandwidth comms between relatively closely spaced aircraft to share tactically significant data, images, stores and fuels states, etc, stealthily - all which makes it more of a "LAN," and less suitable for long range networking. The USAF has another network layer that they are developing to enable the "WAN," hopefully one that is more flexible and can be implemented by all blue force nodes.

Fair points Maus.

[SpudmanWP]

The MADL is designed to automatically share relevant data to other F-35s within range. Since MADL is a point-to-point system, there is obviously a limit to the number of receivers in each node. The F-35 is designed to function as a group of nodes (a star schema in network terms) where info from one node is shared with another node through F-35s that are part of each other's respective node.

F-35s can relay data longer distances by using Link-16 (presumably when there is no threat of detection), SATCOM (Blk4), or a radar based datalink (no specific block plan that I know of).

[spazsinbad]

The first 'spuddy' graphic[ http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt27 ... a43165.jpg ] does not show up on my disputer.

OK thanks - I see it now. TAH

[spazsinbad]

Probably self-evident but interesting textual look at the gear in the F-35 as seen by various for the use of by South Koreans:

PDF may be saved to be a 5 pager at 237Kbs here is an excerpt MADLwise:

Federal Register /Vol. 78, No. 75 /Thursday, April 18, 2013 /Notices 23227

"...(5) The Multi-Function Advanced Data Link (MADL) is used specifically for communications between F–35 aircraft and has a very low probability of intercept, contributing to covert operations. The system contains both Secret and Unclassified elements and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) is classified Secret...."

http://regulations.justia.com/regulatio ... 09094.html

[neurotech]

Surprised how much is only classified Secret, not Top Secret and/or SCI. Then again some things are Secret, but have stringent access requirements, to minimize the chance of a breach. The choice could also be dictated by the F-35 being an international program.

[count_to_10]

Surprised how much is only classified Secret, not Top Secret and/or SCI. Then again some things are Secret, but have stringent access requirements, to minimize the chance of a breach. The choice could also be dictated by the F-35 being an international program.

It's all a matter of the level of damage that could be done if it is found out. In this case, the secret could be that there isn't really an exploitable vulnerability, for all we know.

[neurotech]

I actually think the bigger "damage" could come from military-industrial benefits of getting access to the sensitive files. The processors used in the F-35 are available as dual-use commercial. Similar cameras in the EODAS are available dual-use. I'm sure the Chinese would love to sell 100 J-31s to Venezuela. I can't go into details, but it was suggested that certain commercial technology sold by the Chinese, with an overlap to the F-35 EODAS.

[spazsinbad]

AFAIK the MADL integration effort was delayed recently but here was the plan in 2012 for iMADL (nope Not for yer iPads).

Core Avionics Master Plan 2012 Appendix A-1

",,,Onboard Tactical Data Fusion (JSF). (2014) The F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is planned to be delivered with increased automated sensor data fusion, which is a key feature of fifth generation fighter aircraft. Most sensors are managed independently and operators select specific modes of system information display. The JSF will incorporate a fusion server that performs closed-loop sensor tasking to present combined system level track information. The track will still be presented with similar key tactical parameters (location, velocity vector, affiliation and identification), but the solution will be derived from a combination of all available sensor system inputs. Fused contributions from multiple sensor systems, including Electronic Warfare (EW), Radar, IFF, electro-optical, distributed aperture, as well as tactical data from networks such as Link 16 and Multi-function Advanced Data-link (MADL), will present a higher fidelity, higher confidence solution....

...2. Funded Enhancements and Potential Pursuits.
Wireless Information Download (T-45, JSF). (2012) Wireless download of mission data and maintenance diagnostic information will enable planners and ground crews to get an early start on maintenance issues and accelerate aircraft turnaround for following missions. T-45C is fielding an airborne recorder that will enable wireless download of four audio channels, two video channels, 1553 data bus information, engine performance parameters and airframe structural analysis information. Typical mission and maintenance information for one flight ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 Gigabytes (Gb) of data. The system is designed to download two Gb of data in two seconds at a range up to 2000 feet. The system incorporates a MOSA design, and is planned for expansion to other training platforms, including T-44, TH-57 and T-6.

Similarly, JSF Block II aircraft will be equipped with Prognostic Health Management (PHM) wireless down-link capability in support of mission sortie generation/readiness objectives. Downloaded parameters will include fuel state, ammunition state, expendables state, and component conditions requiring maintenance in order to minimize turnaround time. For the JSF, wireless digital transmission will eliminate the need for additional classified handling equipment, avoid potential loss of data fidelity during manual transfer, and enable maintainers to monitor airframe parameters that could prevent mishaps....

...2. Funded Enhancements and Potential Pursuits.
Overview: Potential near term display improvements include increased luminance and contrast for bright environments, wider dimming ranges for night vision compatibility, weight reductions, power demand reductions, instant-on illumination in extreme cold conditions and reduction of toxic components. Implementation of network-centric data exchange will drive significant increases in the amount of tactical information that can be displayed. CNS/ATM functionalities will increase situational awareness, but will also place more demands on the quality of the display.

3. Large Area Programmable Layout Displays. (2013) JSF Block II aircraft will be equipped with a large (20” x 8”) AMLCD cockpit dashboard Panoramic Cockpit Display (PCD) that incorporates presentations of what are normally separate instruments (primary flight and aircraft and engine performance instruments) along with sensor, controller and data page displays. Boeing has proposed a similar large area display for their Foreign Military Sales (FMS) versions of the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Much like personal computer station ‘windows’ formatted displays, the aircrew can control the size, layout and content of information that gets presented. The single large display design would basically cover the majority of the cockpit dashboard and would enable the flight crew to mix and match any display windows desired depending on the mission. This design will also enable the crew to place individual instrument or tactical display items anywhere on the instrument panel, and to increase the size of preferred primary display elements....

...I. Line of Sight (LOS) Information Exchange....
...Digitally aided Close Air Support (DaCAS) baseline implementation (2014). In Dec 2009 the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) approved the Joint Fires Executive Steering Groups objective to digitally interconnect Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and Joint Fires Observer (JFO) systems with CAS platforms. The JROC endorsed the Variable Messaging Format (VMF) over CNR as the near term LOS CAS standard protocol, and directed the Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) DaCAS Change Control Board to define a common implementation of the appropriate standards (Block 1) by the end of 2010. Block 1 defines a link layer protocol (MIL-STD 188-220 Rev D Chg1), a message header standard (MIL-STD 47001D), and the VMF message standard (MIL-STD 6017B). CAS mission aircraft must configure for VMF Rev D Chg 1....

....E. Anti-Access Tactical Data Link. Anti Access refers to operations in regions with a threat level high enough to require Low Observable (LO) platforms.

1. Current capabilities. (none). [2015: LPI/LPD Data Link].
Naval Aviation currently will not have a 5th generation Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) or Low Probability of Detection (LPD) data link until 2015.

2. Funded Enhancements and Potential Pursuits.
Anti-Access Tactical Data Link (Multi-function Advanced Data Link – MADL). (2015) MADL is a Ku Band, short/medium range, directional, dynamic, LPI/LPD IP link being developed by the F-35B/C Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. It will be the unique LO data link, designed only for the F-35 as an intra-flight data link within the Anti-Access Region. It will operate as a linear network ("daisy chain”) architecture optimized for a limited number of nodes.

Stealth Interoperability (iMADL) (2018) MADL is proposed to be reengineered to work as an inter-flight LO data link within Anti-Access region and be also integrated on the F-22 and B-2...."

http://www.navair.navy.mil/pma209/_Docu ... _Final.pdf (3.3Mb)

[spazsinbad]

MADL me up Scottie in a 4 aircraft network (how RAAF F-35As to operate - and I'll wager others also).

New Data Link Enables Stealthy Comms 14 Jul. 14, 2013 AARON MEHTA

"...MADL is a digital waveform designed for secure transmission of voice and data between F-35s, with the potential of linking F-35s to ground stations or other aircraft, Northrop said.

Think of the system as a computer. The communications, navigation and identification (CNI) system on an F-35 can manage 27 different waveforms, including MADL. The data comes through the antenna, is turned into digitized bits, and is crunched by the on-board systems to get the relevant information to the pilots.

The system will be included in the 2B software package that the US Marine Corps’ F-35B jump-jet variant and the US Air Force’s F-35A conventional version will use when they reach initial operating capability in 2015 and 2016, respectively. It also will be included in all international versions of the jet. The US Navy’s F-35C carrier variant is expected to reach IOC in 2019 with the block 3F software, which will incorporate MADL and other capabilities.

What makes MADL more than just a communications tool is its ability to connect with other planes and automatically share situational awareness data between fighters. The more planes in the network the greater the data shared and the more comprehensive a picture is formed.

Picture a group of jets flying in formation. The pilot farthest to the right will have a different situational awareness picture than the pilot on the left. But once they’re networked, all the information is automatically shared among the pilots.

Prior to takeoff, planes would be designated with partners to form the network. When a plane gets within range, the network is automatically created.

“Like on your computer, your network into the local area, we’re building that network in the sky and it’s keeping up with all the dynamics and spatial changes,” said Bob Gough, director of CNI technology and programs at Northrop. “MADL has the smarts to keep up with all of that and keep the network in place so they can share the same data.”

Gough declined to say how close jets need to be to trigger the network link, but did say tests have shown “very fast” acquisition times once within range.

Live flight system tests at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., began late last year and have continued throughout this year. Initially, the tests involved networking a pair of planes, but recently, test pilots began regularly flying four-plane networks. Those tests are proceeding smoothly, said Joe DellaVedova, a spokesman for the Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office.

“MADL testing is performing as planned,” DellaVedova wrote in an email. “Development of the advanced data link is currently tracking to deliver the phased capability expected by the end of development.”

The system is designed for plane-to-plane communications only, something Gough expects to continue in the near term. But he did not rule out experimenting with data transfer to other terminals.

“We have postulated MADL terminals on ships and we have built a MADL test ground station, so it could be done,” he said. “But it’s more about the logistics of where F-35s will be flying and how close to the ground they would be. It would be mission-scenario dependent, but it’s all technically possible.”..."

http://www.defensenews.com/article/2013 ... lthy-Comms

[popcorn]

MADL is laser-powered?

http://www.airforcemag.com/magazinearch ... ghter.aspx
A leading fighter, for example, can have a trailing F-35 illuminate his target with radar. The data in such an operation will be shared via a laser-powered Multifunction Advanced Data Link; the pilots don’t even need to talk to each other.

I recall speculation I had earlier re an alternative LPI/LPD data link LM is working on for it's 5Gen jets where "optics" was mentioned. Could lasers be used to facilitate locating other LO aircraft prior to establishing a data connection? just wondering..

viewtopic.php?f=33&t=25221

[cantaz]

Maybe just a typo?

But then I think back to my crazy idea of a DIRCM laser being used for communication, and it dawned on me that there is already an encodable laser onboard... The A2G laser designator... Whose code setting on the F-35 is controlled by the aircraft's software along with networking functions...

[popcorn]

I recall coming across info on work the AFRL did in the '80s for the HAVE LACE project that explored laser data links between airborne platforms.

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=24258

[SpudmanWP]

I think they got confused (surprise surprise) when someone talked about "beamed datalinks".

[hornetfinn]

This is extremely interesting and after some Googling, I found that laser communication systems have been demonstrated in Germany using Tornado fighter: http://www.vialight.de/index.php?id=180

A high resolution video stream was transmitted on the 1Gbps data link from the aircraft to an optical ground station.

The maximum link distance was 60km at an altitude of 7km and a speed of 800km/h.

The MLT-20 is a miniaturized laser terminal with 5-10 kg weight, depending on the specific configuration. "The external parts are reduced to a minimum and accordingly small. The entire communication, sensor, and control unit is located in a small, coffee machine sized, integrated housing. There is even more potential for size reduction, "explains the chief developer of the MTL, Joachim Horwath, ViaLight Communications.

It seems to me that the this kind of system could be well installed alongside the DAS sensor and of course could also use the EOTS laser system for more power to transmit over longer ranges (if the laser is capable of that).