Platform Categories Airborne Networking

1 platform categories

1.1 fighter platforms
1.2 c4isr platforms
1.3 airborne communications relay platforms

platform categories

to categorize specific airborne asset or class communications equipment aircraft divided 3 main categories. these categories determined types of missions aircraft typically performs. aircraft fit each category based on type of equipment can equip airframe with. each of following sections outlines these 3 main categories.

fighter platforms

an airborne fighter platform flight profile includes periods of stable flight patterns , dynamic maneuvers @ high speeds. relatively small size limits amount of space available mounting antennas , installing equipment. employed part of strike package or combat air patrol (cap). strike package or cap have supporting airborne c2 , isr platform(s), tanker (refueling) platform(s), , ground c2 platform(s). each airborne fighter platform requires connectivity other strike package or cap , supporting platforms; however, majority of information exchanged between airborne fighter platforms. driven in large part need frequent situational awareness , target sorting updates in highly mobile environment. pilots provided services such real-time data, digital voice, , interactive data sharing.

airborne fighter platforms participate in both tethered , flat ad hoc network topologies. tethered topology used reachback , forwarding between airborne fighter platform , supporting elements. flat ad hoc topology used between airborne fighter platforms in strike package or cap more frequent information exchanges. figure outlines minimum equipment requirements support fighter platform.

c4isr platforms

a c4isr platform flight profile includes periods of en route flying , repeated, stable flight patterns. relatively large size enables space available mounting antennas , installing significant communications equipment accommodate multiple mission crew functions. host 3 dozen mission crew members, including communications operator. c4isr platform’s mission applications , sensors support multiple capabilities , mission types. mission durations single aircraft , crew range 12 hours; aerial refueling extended 24 hours. these platforms operate beyond line-of-sight of ground infrastructure , employed stand-alone or part of strike package or cap in support of strike package. c4isr aircraft require broad range of connection capability connect peer-to-peer other c4isr aircraft or serve hub connect fighter platform aircraft. services provided c4isr aircraft include real-time data, voice, video, bulk data transfer, , interactive data.

c4isr platforms participate in both tethered , tiered ad hoc network topologies. tethered topology used reachback , forwarding between c4isr platform, ground theater air control system, , strike package or cap aircraft. tiered ad hoc topology used between c4isr platform , airborne fighter platforms in strike package or cap. figure outlines minimum equipment requirements implement operations of c4isr platform.

airborne communications relay platforms

airborne communications relay platform flight profile includes periods of en route flying , repeated, stable flight patterns. relatively large size of widebodies theoretically enables space available mounting antennas , installing significant communications equipment. uavs offer long endurance , high altitude, give wide area air , surface coverage , optical paths satellites. mission of airborne communications relay platform employed part of and/or support c4isr constellation and/or strike package(s) or cap. communications relay platform provides connectivity between elements of strike package, cap aircraft, c4isr platforms, , ground theater air control system platforms require range extension or internetworking , gateway functions between networks information interoperability. services necessary communication relay platforms include real-time data transfer, voice, video, bulk data, , interactive data transfer.

airborne communications relay platforms participate in both tethered , tiered ad hoc network topologies. tethered topology used reachback , forwarding between c4isr platform, ground theater air control system, , strike package or cap aircraft. tiered ad hoc topology used between c4isr platform , airborne fighter platforms in strike package or cap. figure outlines minimum equipment requirements implement operations of communications relay platform.