Directed Air Data LInk

Purpose and goal

The need for information superiority in air conflicts drives the integration of wideband digital AESA for realization of directive datalinks, which are low-observable and provide robust air-to-air communication with much lower latency than today. This means a disruptive change in associated operational constraints given better connectivity/availability (by lowered need for EMCON), increased data rate (for Video streaming, Sensor data), increased robustness via self-organizing MANET (with multi-hop relaying) and low-observable/stealthy Tx and jamming resistant Rx.

Expected results and effects

This project has focused on low TRL R&D for a directive TDL waveform suitable for digitalized AESA operation in an airborne environment. Among others, a patent pending application was produced while also managing to demonstrate feasibility of directed TDL if executed by digital, multichannel transceivers. As a result, an overarching research program is currently under formation, consisting of coordinated projects regarding RF front-end electronics, digital processing architectures, a potential demonstrator and utility studies.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been coordinated by Saab and was conducted as a collaboration including knowledge transfer between industry and academia for increased bilateral competitiveness within electromagnetic domain digitalization. One key investigation aspect has been how a targeted MANET performs in an operational context with different collaborative systems, in expected threat environments and with relevant data traffic requirements. Performed research activities extends over multiple WPs distributed across both industry and academic project partners.