Air Force F-22s, F-35s and Reaper drones all shared targeting data in real time across a secure, radio-enabled secure RF datalink, bringing the concept of an interwoven network of “meshed” nodes closer to operational reality.
While historically able to perform some radio communications and of course share information through ground-based command and control, some existing datalinks and radio communication systems can experience latency challenges regarding the speed of information flow as well as data processing impediments when it comes to the need to organize, analyze and transmit crucial incoming targeting data.
Paradigm-Changing War Communications
Now, F-22 to F-35 to MQ-9 Reaper drone real-time information sharing, targeting cooperation, information processing and operational connectivity without needing to incorporate ground-based command and control, represents paradigm-changing possibilities for modern warfare.
Some of the most recent technical innovations, such as Northrop Grumman’s Freedom 550 software programmable radio, are built with a specific intent to preserve information stability and security.
Stealthy 5th-Generation platforms, for example, can give away their location by sending a large volume of multi-frequency data transmission. The larger an electronic signature, emission or transmission, the more detectable it may be to an enemy. The challenge is to enable connectivity while simultaneously maintaining “stealth mode.”
Northrop Grumman is now testing a “radio translator” engineered to connect an F-22 datalink called Interflight Datalink with an F-35 datalink called Multi-Function Advanced Datalink called MADL.
“We are working on a demonstrator using a radio as a translator to convert data sent from and F-35 to an F-22 in a stealthy manner. It involves using software-defined radio hardware and software and antennas,” Colin Phan, the director of strategy and tech communications for Northrop Grumman, told the National Interest in an interview.
Multi-Domain Combat Preparation
The communications and targeting breakthrough was all part of an ambitious combat preparation exercise in Alaska called Northern Edge wherein numerous combat assets operated in high-end mock-combat wargames to conduct multi-domain missions against extremely sophisticated, high-end adversary forces.
