Multifunction Advanced Data Link

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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]

Contents

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.[ citation needed ]

The MADL could be used beyond a four-ship flight. [4]

Platforms

See also

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References

  1. Modelling radio propagation and contention in emulated defence networks, MilCIS, 8–10 November 2011, by M. Britton and A. Coyle.
  2. Harris Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) Archived 2009-06-26 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Israel, U.S. Agree To $450 Million In F-35 EW Work." Av Week, 6 August 2012.
  4. " "F-35 Flight Test Update 11 | Code One Magazine".
  5. http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ [ dead link ]
  6. 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.
  7. Seligman, Lara (24 November 2016). "How F-35 Is Transforming U.S. Marine Corps Strike Operations". aviationweek.com. Penton. Retrieved 24 November 2016.