Network Centric Warfare | A New dimension for Pakistan Defense Forces.

[Bilal.]

The article is at least 3 years old if I am not mistaken.

It states at one place that by 2010 frequency of indian satellites over pass will increase to once a day, so the article is at least from before 2010.

 

[shaheenmissile]

In simple words.....
All information is being relayed to the Base through typical radio coms....however the information is authentic and accurate...it is then plotted back at the Base on GIS, and when the need arises, we are communicating the information back through conventional means....
Information is being used in a effective and efficient manner, what we need to work on is the means of relaying that information......

Drones are fitted with relay antennas. For increased ranges as PK don't have satellites.

 

[shaheenmissile]

Most of Pakistan netcentric capabilities are modified ASELSAN tech.

 

[Kompromat]

Most of Pakistan netcentric capabilities are modified ASELSAN tech.

According to who?

 

[Kompromat]

Pakistan Air Force and Network Centric Warfare​

NCW must be properly understood before it can be used as a basis for strategic planning decisions. Clearly this was not been the case in many key areas of the Pakistan’s MoD. The situation however changed in 2010.

The Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C, developed for the Pakistan Air Force.

JF-17 operation, new batch of F-16, inclusion of Saab 2000 erieye, and ZDK 03 AWACS aircrafts are all part of step taken by Pakistan Air Force, to meet the NCW and Electronic Warfare requirements, which indeed are less than none. SAAB signed an 8 billion kronor provisional contract to supply 6 Saab 2000 erieye to Pakistan, which was finalized in June 2006 at four aircraft, one of which has been delivered to date. This aircraft (shown above) incorporates the Erieye Radar System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEWCS) and is based on based on the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

The Erieye AEW&C mission system radar is an active, phased-array, pulse-Doppler sensor that can feed an onboard operator architecture or downlink data (via an associated data link subsystem) to a ground-based air defence network. The system employs a large aperture, dual-sided antenna array housed in a dorsal ‘plank’ fairing. The antenna is fixed, and the beam is electronically scanned, which provides for improved detection and significantly enhanced tracking performance compared with radar-dome antenna systems.

Erieye detects and tracks air and sea targets out to the horizon, and sometimes beyond this due to anomalous propagation — instrumented range has been measured at 450 km. Typical detection range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 425 km, in a 150° broadside sector, both sides of the aircraft. Outside these sectors, performance is reduced in forward and aft directions. Other system features include: Adaptive waveform generation (including digital, phase-coded pulse compression); Signal processing and target tracking; Track While Scan (TWS); Low sidelobe values (throughout the system’s angular coverage); Low- and medium-pulse repetition frequency operating modes; Frequency agility; Air-to-air and sea surveillance modes; and Target radar cross-section display.

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder Block-1

JF-17 comprises of two VHF/UHF radios, one of them having capacity for data linking. The data link can be used to exchange data with ground control centres, AWACS/AEW aircraft and other combat aircraft also equipped with compatible data links. The ability to data link with other “nodes” such as aircraft and ground stations allows JF-17 to become part of a network, improving the situational awareness of the pilot as well as other entities in the network.

The JF-17 has a defensive aids system (DAS) made up of various integrated sub-systems. A radar warning receiver (RWR) gives data such as direction and proximity of enemy radars to the pilot and electronic warfare (EW) suite, housed in a fairing at the tip of the tail fin for greater coverage, that interferes with enemy radars. The EW suite is also linked to a missile approach warning (MAW) system to help it defend against radar-guided missiles. The MAW system uses several optical sensors mounted on the airframe (two of which can be seen at the base of the vertical stabiliser) that detect the rocket motors of missiles and gives 360 degree coverage.

The DAS systems will also be enhanced by integration of a self-protection radar jamming pod which will be carried externally on one of the aircraft’s hardpoints. Electronic support measures and defensive aids are used extensively to gather information about threats or possible threats. DAS Systems – They can be used to launch devices (in some cases automatically) to counter direct threats against the aircraft. They are also used to determine the state of a threat and identify it. To my knowledge it uses KJ8602A Airborne Radar Warning Receiver. The KJ8602A airborne radar warning receiver (RWR) is designed to detect incoming radar signals; identify and characterise these signals to a specific threat; and alert the aircrew through the cockpit video/audio warning. The KJ8602A features several external antennae mounted on the vertical fin tip, both wingtips, and underneath the forward fuselage. Once the hostile radar signal is detected, the KJ8602A analyses those received signals and identify the signal sources according to the stored emitter identification data (EID), and alerts the pilot. The system can also automatically trigger the chaff/flare dispenser or other onboard ECM systems to counter the incoming threats.

The JF-17s in service with the PAF are fitted with an Italian Grifo S-7 multi-track, multi-mode, pulse Doppler radar radar. The radar has 25 working modes and a non-break-down time of 200 hours, and is capable of “look-down, shoot-down”, as well as for ground strike abilities. Alternatively, the aircraft can be fitted with the Thales RC400, GEC Marconi Blue Hawk, Russian Phazotron Zemchug/Kopyo, and Chinese indigenous KLJ-7 developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET). The first 42 production aircraft currently being delivered to the Pakistan Air Force are equipped with the NRIET KLJ-7 radar. In December 2010, Pakistan Air Force’s Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman announced that KLJ-7 radar will be built at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), in Kamra, north of Islamabad




The KLJ-7 uses a mechanically-steered slotted array antenna and bears similarities with the various Russian radars imported in the 1990s. Russian radar design houses Phazotron and NIIP had worked closely in the past with the Chinese radar design bureaus and provided technical assistance as well as operational models of Russian-made radar sets that were used as benchmarks in the process of these Chinese firms developing their own design. Up to 20 units of the Phazotron Zhemchoug ('Pearl) radar were imported in the mid-1990s for evaluation along with 2 units of Phazotron (NIIR) RP-35, which is the upgraded version of the Zhemchoug

The KLJ-7 has multiple modes, both beyond-visual-range (BVR) and close-in air-to-air modes, ground surveillance modes and a robust anti-jamming capability. The radar can reportedly manage up to 40 targets, monitor up to 10 of them in track-while-scan (TWS) mode and simultaneously fire on two BVR targets. The detection range for targets with a radar cross-section of 5 square meters is stated to be ≥105 km (≥85 km in look-down mode). Surface sea targets can be detected at up to 135 km. It has been reported that KLJ-7 also has modes to support a range of NATO weaponry, including the Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range and AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range air-to-air missiles. The RADAR operates at Ground Moving Target Indication/Ground Moving Target Track (GMTI/GMTT), Range While Search (RWS), Sea Single Target Track (SSTT), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS), Situational Awareness Mode (SAM), Velocity Search (VS) and many other. Pakistan’s move to develop these RADARS at home, and extending their capability to next level will surely provide them an advantage over its competitors.

Four Chinese ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft have also been ordered. Which are PAF-specific version of the KJ-200, incorporating a Chinese AESA radar similar to the Erieye mounted on the Shaanxi Y-8F600 transport aircraft. Currently PAF’s No.24 Blinders squadron operates three Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft in the ELINT (Electronic signals intelligence) and ECM (Electronic countermeasures) roles. Former refers to intelligence-gathering by use of electronic sensors. Its primary focus lies on non-communications signals intelligence. The data gathered are typically pertinent to the electronics of an opponent’s defense network, especially the electronic parts such as radars, surface-to-air missile systems, aircraft, etc.

ELINT can be used to detect ships and aircraft by their radar and other electromagnetic radiation; commanders have to make choices between not using radar (EMCON), intermittently using it, or using it and expecting to avoid defenses. ELINT can be collected from ground stations near the opponent’s territory, ships off their coast, aircraft near or in their airspace, or by satellite. However, ECM, are a subsection of electronic warfare which includes any sort of electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy. The system may make many separate targets appear to the enemy, or make the real target appear to disappear or move about randomly. It is used effectively to protect aircraft from guided missiles (refer to my previous post for ECM and ESM).

The Shaanxi Y-8 or Yunshuji-8 aircraft is a medium size medium range transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China, based on the Soviet Antonov An-12.

KJ-200, incorporates an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)Radar (aka active phased array radar). This radar possess many advantages over conventional passive scanned radar, one is that the different modules can operate on different frequencies. Additionally, the solid-state transmitters are able to broadcast effectively at a much wider range of frequencies, giving AESAs the ability to change their operating frequency with every pulse sent out. AESAs can also produce beams that consist of many different frequencies at once, using post-processing of the combined signal from a number of transmitter-receiver modules (TRMs) to re-create a display as if there was a single powerful beam being sent. AESAs are so much more difficult to detect, and so much more useful in receiving signals from the targets, that they can broadcast continually and still have a very low chance of being detected. This allows the radar system to generate far more data than if it is being used only periodically, greatly improving overall system effectiveness. Similar type is featured on F-22 and F/A 18 Super Hornet.


Concluding Remarks


Critics of NCW argue that system is prone to Chaos, and thus link the system with Chaos Theory – to some extent they are right, but as I have mentioned earlier, system integration in NCW is no easy, and prone to many fatal error if neglected. As far as PAF analysis is concerned, I have tried my best to include what I could and keep it simple. However, I will include the advances from Navy side some other time. Also, if reader is interested to explore more about the Network Centric Warfare, please refer to US DoD Report to Congress and Thought Systems and Network Centric Warfare

Red Storm Rising

 

[Bratva]

Private and Public sector organizations designing and developing net centric equipments

CENTech
Center for Network Centric Technologies
National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM)

Center for Network Centric Technologies (CENTech) is the leading state-owned organization of National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), which provides cutting edge solutions and high-tech consultancy to strategic organizations of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the complete spectrum of Information Technology including Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, High-end Networking, Software development, Quality assurance,Web Technologies as well as Project management. We provide industrial standard solutions in almost every major technical area of IT and carry out research in many engineering and scientific areas.

The Cyber Security division of CENTech was established in 2010. The journey of four years of cyber security division speaks of many success stories, from 24/7 operational indigenously developed IP-encryptors on Strategic networks to FIPS level-2 certification of standard cryptographic library and from formulation of team of certified penetration testers and auditors to the establishment of nation-wide CERT.

The developed products range from software based Cryptographic applications to rugged hardware security appliances including Nescom security gateways (IP-encryptors),vulnerability scanners, firewalls, File/ folder encryption and e-shredder. Apart from this, CENTech provides the network related services which include Design & planning of secure network, configuration of network devices, Data Center Design, Simulation of strategic networks, Deployment and management of security devices across networks.

To prove capability of correct cryptographic implementation, CENTech has undergone a unique experience of certifying indigenously developed crypto module from NIST. The FIPS approved Tahir Pak Crypto Library (TPCL) mark the presence of CENTech at international cryptographic forum. TPCL is the first ever FIPS certified product of Pakistan. TPCL provides functionality of standard Cryptographic algorithms through API, including AES (128, 192, 256-ECB, CBC), SHA (224, 256, 384, 512), HMAC (224, 256, 384, 512), CTR-DRBG, DSA and key generation module.

The vision of CENTech is to provide nationwide platform that would serve the strategic forces and organizations and in broader sense to entire government of Pakistan in the information security realm. This platform is a forum for research, indigenous development and future planning of secure national level communication networks in nation’s cyber frontiers.





NRTC
National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation

National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) is a World-Class telecommunication and electronic equipment manufacturer. We have built our business around our ability to offer creative and tailored solutions worldwide, providing the best total value while building premier customer relationships. Since 1965, NRTC has been a highly stable and reliable partner for customers who require high-tech communication equipment and solutions. Our success comes from the innovative value proposition we bring to electronic manufacturing………proof of its uniqueness is in our enviable track record for decades. At NRTC, we build lasting relationships with our customers through provisioning of quality solutions and unparalleled 24×7 support based upon commitment and dedication.

At NRTC, we meet challenging demands and excel in competition by continuous up-gradation and use of innovative concepts/state of the art tools. Our R&D is working on modern technologies and designing of wide array of complex telecom equipment, systems and solutions which include;

• Communication Security Solutions
• Backbone Communication Solutions (microwave line of sight Systems)
• Total communication system solutions according to customers’ needs
• Software Defined Radio Systems
• Integrated Land Mobile Radio Systems
• Customized Software Applications Development
• Switching equipment (TDM and IP based)
• Optical Communication Products

Our mission is to provide our customers with world class quality telecommunication equipment which meets all their operational requirements, in time, and at affordable costs. User’s satisfaction is our top priority in the process chain, from receipt of raw material, through manufacturing and delivery, till final acceptance.

FUTURE PROJECTS AND TARGETS
Following are the future manufacturing potential projects:-
 Software Defined Radio (SDR)
 PRR (Personal Role Radio)
 IP Based Military Exchanges
 IP Exchanges
 Solar Solutions including battery charger
 Alternative Energy Solutions
 IP Security Gateway (Network Security)
 Secure Phone / Fax / Data Device
 IP Encryptors
 Bulk Encryption Units
 Secure Data Links
 Radio Intercom System for APC’s and tanks
 Microwave Solutions
 Platoon Early Warning System
 Communication Networking

http://www.modp.gov.pk/gop/index.ph...vRFAlMjBEYXRhL1llYXJfQm9va18yMDExLTIwMTIucGRm (Page 77)

National Radio & Telecom Corporation - Pakistan @Aeronaut @balixd @Fulcrum15 check the website and this brochure. Very interesting

http://ncia.mcs.edu.pk/ncia_wp/docs/NRTC Profile.pdf



Harris
Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.

Harris Corporation was founded in the 1890s. During its 117-year history, Harris has transformed communications and information technology – from the early printing press, to the Space Age, and to today’s fast-paced digital age. Since its beginnings, it has focused on providing innovative, reliable solutions that deliver critical information at the right place, at the right time, and on the right device.

Today, Harris is one of the only companies focused exclusively on developing the most trusted voice, data and video networks – networks that touch millions of lives every day. Harris solutions are taking network reliability and security to an entirely new level and are solving the toughest technology challenges faced by businesses and governments around the world.

Every day, the company’s employees serve customers around the world, in markets where trusted network solutions are critical to success – defense, national intelligence, civilian and international government, public safety and public service, energy, and maritime, broadcast and new media, healthcare, and enterprise.

Harris Corporation



CARE
Center for Advanced Research in Engineering

CARE is the most celebrated engineering organization in Pakistan. CARE has made history basing national and international recognition in P@SHA and Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards in 2011 and 2010. Center for Advanced Research in Engineering (CARE) Certified CMMI Compliant Organization with its office situated at 19- Attaturk Ave, G-5/1, Islamabad. CARE offers broad array of products, expertise and design services in the areas of emerging technologies. Our strong research and development focus has enabled us to position ourselves at the forefront of technology. Our success is based upon Clients focal points. We eavesdrop to our customers’ needs, map their requirements to most suitable technologies thus offer them the right solutions and products. CARE has outstanding products and system design portfolio and it thrives on its-well trained, diverse and experienced team.

Netcentric Systems

-Horus is an integrated vehicle management system comprising of vehicle mounted GPS-based tracking devices, communicating over multiple networking technologies (GSM,GPRS, V-UHF, Satellite) in a hybrid environment and versatile multi-tier command and control infrastructure. It comprehensively addresses the problems of managing, tracking, monitoring and assisting any number of vehicles registered within the system.

The Network Centric Systems consists of a number of hierarchical command posts that receive and process information from different sensors. Timely availability of this information along with orders from the Command Post down to the weapon posts designated to engage a potentially hostile target is of prime importance.

Communication Systems



Defenium
Defenium (Pvt) Ltd

Defenium (Pvt) Ltd previously known as Equinox (Pvt) Ltd is one of the five Companies working under the Panasian Group in the areas of Defence, National Security, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Rail Technologies. Over 40 years in collaboration with globally renowned partners, Defenium has implemented a wide array of major nation –wide projects both in private and public sectors of Pakistan.

Defenium has rich experience spread over decades of delivering and implementing major projects in the fields of Military equipment / Hardware Solutions / Systems, Tactical System, Strategic System, Field Optical Fiber Cable Communication System, Defence Electronics, Encryption Solutions, Air Defence System for Pakistan Armed Forces. Its partnerships over the years have been with good reputed defence manufacturers and solutions providers like EADS, Kongsberg, Heckler & Koch, VOLVO, Bombardier, Sea Force, Crypto AG, Brugg Cables, ASCOM, FIAMM, Ericsson Microwave and NERA. Among many other multinationals, Defenium’s partnerships with M/s Crypto AG and M/s BRUGG Cables of Switzerland are worth mentioning especially in reference with the 2nd National Conference of Information Assurance 2013.

http://ncia.mcs.edu.pk/ncia_wp/docs/DefeniumProfile.pdf

http://www.panasiangroup.com/



Advanced Systems
Advanced Systems (Pvt) Ltd

We specialize in designing and developing high speed, high grade encryption equipment. We designed, developed and made bulk encryption units (SSD-99000 several models). These units are protecting strategic communications of Pakistan from Karachi to Kashmir. We conceived, designed, developed and produced unique and unpublished encryption algorithms. These algorithms are implemented in FPGAs.

We have a seven thousand square feet dedicated facility to research, design, develop and test encryption and produce encryption products. The facilities include various CAD packages, FPGA development tools, communication analyzers, logic analyzers, emulators of various types, software/hardware of several kinds to evaluate encryption strength.

Products:
SSD-99000: Bulk Encryption Unit for E1 (ITU-T G703) & Eurocom D1.
(There are more than 17 Models of SSD-99000).
SSD-99000: (IIB4) Bulk Encryption Unit with Integrated E1, E3 & D1 Interfaces
MIRAGE: Twin E1 (ITU-T G703) Stream Encryption Unit
ZULKERNAIN: Encryption Unit for Satellite Links (V.35)
IXU-4200: Encryption Unit for IP Communications

http://ncia.mcs.edu.pk/ncia_wp/docs/AS1.doc

EfKay Associates
EfKay Associates

Efkay Associates, was established in 1990, and is registered with the Registrar of Firms, as Partnership Company. Ever since it is also registered with Directorate General Defense Purchase (DGDP) and Directorate General Monition Production (DGMP) through them, is involved in supplying different types of equipment to the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It is primarily dealing in supply of, radios, security and surveillance equipment and IT. It has recently set up another subsidiary with the name of Solartronix for the development and marketing of solar products. It is also capable of setting up solar power stations of moderate capacity (up to 20 MW).

Efkay is representing Aselsan ( Askari Electronik Sanayi ) Turkey since 1992. Aselsan is one of the largest companies in the world and manufactures wide range of telecommunication equipment which include HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave and professional radios. Other products include Radars, Electronic Warfare Equipment, Satellite communication, Emergency Communication Systems for Motorways, Highway Toll Collection Systems. It has separate division for manufacturing microelectronics, guidance and electro optical equipment devices.
@Aeronaut

EFKAY Associates



Micro Electronics
Micro Electronics International Pvt Ltd

Micro Electronics International (Pvt.) Limited, (MICRO) founded in 1981, is a multi-product electronics company, primarily engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of advanced technology radio telecommunication equipment for military and civil application.

The Company is the nation’s leading independent electronics manufacturer supplying radio equipment for specialized mobile, portable, fixed, remote and rugged applications.

 

[shaheenmissile]

If any of you can get hold of July's issue of Aviation International magazine.. A very good article about operators of Erieye in there...

 

[Bratva]

 

[Bratva]

 

[Bratva]

Some useful info on about USAF inter networking incompatible systems problems and how they are planning to overcome it


The evolution of airborne networking


With few exceptions, today's military aircraft, in any service, are not networked. While many platforms have implemented tactical data links that allow some measure of collaboration between flights of aircraft, very little information is passed between command and control elements and attack aircraft at the tactical edge. Since 2001, the DoD has made significant progress in "linking" platforms together.

This would include some degree of cross service interoperability but within common groupings like ground attack aircraft and fighters. USAF F-15s and US Navy F/A-18s can link together using Link 16 and share some limited information between flights like target data, fuel and weapons status. On the other hand, USAF bombers like the B-52 and B-1 are not equipped with data links and cannot interoperate with either F-15s and F/A-18s. Furthermore, half the USAF fighter force based in the Air National Guard (ANG) are equipped with Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) gear that cannot interoperate with Link 16 unless there is a "gateway" which has radios for both data links, and a computer system that can interconnect them and translate the data.


While the deployment of data links to fighter aircraft has aided flights of aircraft to coordinate their attacks locally, these systems are constrained by line of sight and cannot reach command and control centers that are often hundreds, if not thousands, of miles distant from where the fighting is taking place. While the USAF has taken the lead to field "gateways" that can handle both connecting dissimilar links and relaying data over satellite back and forth to connect command and control to the tactical edge, the platform that carries the gateway is more often than not dedicated to another mission (like air refueling) that consumes limited resources and sub-optimizes some other critical theater activity.

There are unfortunately bigger problems with linking aircraft together with data links. While ground attack aircraft are increasingly linked, they cannot interoperate with attack helicopters or ground forces with any service. In an age where there is zero tolerance for even a single "friendly fire" death, attack aircraft from either the Navy or the Air Force use the same sensors to prevent fratricide that were used in World War I—their eyeballs.

Late in the last decade of the Twentieth Century, defense planners began to think beyond simply "linking" forces to "networking" them and fundamentally changing the information model at the tactical edge from one that required a priori knowledge of required information to employ forces, or "push" model, to one in which the information required was globally available and could be "pulled" as required by warfighters engaged in combat. This new model came to be known as "Network Centric Warfare (NCW).


Battlefield Airborne Communications Node

BACN was developed under a Department of Defense Microelectronic Activity contract (#H94003-04-D-0005), as part of the Interim Gateway Program. It provides a high-speed, Internet protocol (IP)-based airborne network infrastructure that that extends communications ranges, bridges between radio frequencies, and “translates” among incompatible communications systems – including both tactical and civil cellular systems. Using BACN, a Special Forces soldier on the ground could use a civil cell phone to speak to a fighter pilot in the cockpit.



The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) is a United States Air Force (USAF) airborne communications relay andgateway system hosted on a variety of aircraft designated as the EQ-4B (Global Hawk variant) and E-11A (Global Express modification). BACN enables real-time information flow across the battlespace between similar and dissimilar tactical data link and voice systems through relay, bridging, and data translation in Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) situations.[1] By acting as a translation proxy between dissimilar communications systems, it allows interoperability without modification to the individual platforms' systems.

Because of its flexible deployment options and ability to operate at high altitudes, BACN can enable air and surface forces to overcome communications difficulties caused by complex mountainous terrain and range while performing as a key node for tactical networks. BACN provides decision-makers at all operational echelons with critical information and increases situational awareness by correlating tactical and operational air and ground pictures. For example, an Army unit on the ground currently sees a different picture than an aircrew, but with BACN, both can see the same picture.

Individual tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, EPLRS, etc...] are just a part of the larger tactical data link network, encompassing tactical data links, common data links, and weapon data links. Most military platforms or units are equipped with a tactical data link capability tailored to their individual missions. Those tactical data link capabilities are not necessarily interoperable with one another, preventing the digital exchange of information between military units. BACN acts as a universal translator, or gateway, that makes the tactical data links work with one another.

BACN also serves as an airborne repeater, connecting tactical data link equipped military units that are not within line of sight of one another.

An operational example would be:

• A B-1 flying an orbit on one side of a mountain range needs to communicate with a Tactical Air Control Party located in a valley on the opposite side of the mountain.
• The mountain prevents line-of-sight voice and data communication
• A BACN flying an orbit over the mountain range would act as an airborne communications repeater and TDL gateway connecting the two units
• The TACP can digitally send targeting information to the B-1 cockpit and communicate via the BACN aircraft
• The two units are able to communicate in near-real time without requiring limited SATCOM resources or other bandwidth constrained beyond-line-of-sight methods

BACN supports seamless movement of imagery, video, voice and digital messages, with support for waveforms that include SINCGARS (single-channel ground and airborne radio system), DAMA (demand assigned multiple access), EPLRS (enhanced position location reporting system), SADL (situation awareness data link), Link 16, and IP-based networking connectivity using TTN (tactical targeting network), TCDL (tactical common data link) technology, CLIP (Common Link Integration Processing), and 802.11b. Northrop Grumman’s joint translator/forwarder (JXF), originally developed for US Joint Forces Command, is to accomplish digital-message transformation.

 

[silent hawk]

Nice Thread.
A while ago I did some work on this domain myself which is preserved in the thread below

PAF Vs IAF Command and Control Systems