TDL System Integration
The Tactical Data Networks Enterprise (TDNE) program element analyzes and evaluates requirements, designs, develops, enhances, and fields prospective or needed systems. The TDNE focuses on the research, analysis, design, development, test, evaluation and fielding or other capability development of tactical datalinks (TDLs), gateway, radio, multi-function processor, antenna, multi-function aperture, license, waveform and other associated equipment, technology or capabilities. TDNE develops, enhances and fields technologies, architectures, documentation, tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities. These efforts enhance Air Force communications capacity, efficiency, affordability, integration and optimization. TDNE supports interoperability of Air Force to: Air Force, Joint, Coalition, and NATO (Allied), and other partner platforms and systems; supports releasability engineering, cyber engineering, digital engineering, encryption and safety compliance, et al. Tactical Data Links (TDL) System Integration provides for the study, analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, joint/coalition/NATO interoperability exercises, costing, test, trials, and evaluation of TDL as a subset of the broader aerial layer network. Products include interoperability standards and reports, waveform standards, and hardware/software technical solutions. The number of Air Force platforms hosting TDLs has expanded from C2 aircraft to the fighter, bomber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), tanker, airlift and other tactical fleets as well as precision guided munitions. Utilization of TDLs in joint and international environments requires the integration of terminals into host platforms and interoperability of TDL networks across all deployed joint/Coalition/NATO platforms. USAF mandates require additional studies and analysis to meet frequency reprogramming and cryptographic requirements.
-Will continue to execute software releases, integration, and demonstrations. -Will continue to engineer the capability to provide data routing critical to the operation of PG/C3HST and the associated Phalanx Watch network support function. -Will continue to upgrade software as the ability to scale CTEN and integrate increased ground…
Read the FY2027 plan →-Will develop capability to share tactical information, fuse sensor information, cooperate with other network assets, and otherwise provide enterprise data link capabilities to support current and future warfighter needs in evolving threat landscapes -Will develop MBeam waveform and specifications -Will implement MBeam waveform…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work -Will build equipment packages consisting of Link 22 equipment to engineer and install the Link 22 capability into multiple tactical control agencies and their tactical data systems -Will perform testing & technical validation and verification as needed for integration -Will perform engineering, integration, and installation of the Link 22 capability at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), one Control & Reporting Center (CRC), and one Battle Control Center (BCC)
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase from FY2026 to FY2027 due to this effort being a New Start.
FY2026 plans — current year New Start in FY2027
- Will continue to manage the development, certification, training and logistics plans for individual TDL implementations to Joint/ allied standards. - Will continue to provide the necessary engineering, technical, and administrative support required to add and/or update Air Force platform and system information exchange requirements…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work - Will continue to update the waveform specification complying with NATO STANAG and testing utilizing the Reference Implementation Lab (RIL). - Will continue to perform SEDR analysis and evaluation activities to enable porting SEDR on Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground radios to incorporate text/data capability.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease from FY 2026 to FY 2027 due to realignment for higher operational priorities.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to update the waveform specification complying with NATO STANAG and testing utilizing the Reference Implementation Lab (RIL). - Perform SEDR analysis and evaluation activities to enable porting SEDR on Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground radios to incorporate text/data capability.