Multifunction Advanced Data Link

{{Short description|Information-sharing communication link}}

Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft.[https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6470395 Modelling radio propagation and contention in emulated defence networks], MilCIS, 8–10 November 2011, by M. Britton and A. Coyle. It began as a method to coordinate between F-35 (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.[http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000088.asp Harris Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626225650/http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000088.asp |date=2009-06-26 }} MADL uses the Ku band.[http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_08_06_2012_p28-482027.xml "Israel, U.S. Agree To $450 Million In F-35 EW Work."] Av Week, 6 August 2012.

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|date=July 2013}}

The MADL could be used beyond a four-ship flight.{{Cite web|url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/f35_gallery_slideshow.html?aac6135311632f48e93827d190c71cac=1&gallery_id=161&gallery_style=3"|title=F-35 Flight Test Update 11 | Code One Magazine}}

Platforms

  • The F-22 Raptor MADL upgrade was cancelled in 2010http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}
  • The F-35 Lightning II has MADL built in
  • B-2 Spirit
  • US Navy surface combatants with Baseline 9 Aegis Combat System can take targeting data from F-35s via MADL.{{cite news |url=https://news.usni.org/2016/09/13/video-successful-f-35-sm-6-live-fire-test-points-expansion-networked-naval-warfare |title=Successful F-35, SM-6 Live Fire Test Points to Expansion in Networked Naval Warfare |last1=LaGrone |first1=Sam |date=13 September 2016 |website=news.usni.org |publisher=USNI News |accessdate=24 November 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft/how-f-35-transforming-us-marine-corps-strike-operations |title=How F-35 Is Transforming U.S. Marine Corps Strike Operations |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |date=24 November 2016 |website=aviationweek.com |publisher=Penton |accessdate=24 November 2016}}
  • E-7A Wedgetail{{cite news |url=https://www.twz.com/12197/australia-set-to-become-one-of-the-worlds-top-aerial-electronic-warfare-powers |title=Australia Set To Become One Of The World’s Top Aerial Electronic Warfare Powers |last1=Rogoway |first1=Tyler |date=5 July 2020 |website=The War Zone |publisher= |accessdate= 11 April 2025}}

See also

References

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