Multifunction Advanced Data Link Explained

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 (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]

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.

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

Platforms

• The F-22 Raptor MADL upgrade was cancelled in 2010^[5]
• 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.^{[6] [7]}

See also

• Global Information Grid
• Link 16
• Multifunctional Information Distribution System
• Network-centric warfare

External links

• Web site: F-22 and F-35 Suffer From Network Gaps . 2007-12-11 . Aviation Week . The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. . Bill . Sweetman . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120111030534/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=dti&id=news%2FDTINETS.xml&headline=F-22%20and%20F-35%20Suffer%20From%20Network%20Gaps . 2012-01-11.
• Web site: Center team works to connect new fighters, bomber . 2009-04-09 . United States Air Force . Chuck . Paone . https://archive.today/20121212040718/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123143663 . 2012-12-12 . dead.
• Web site: To ensure increased combat effectiveness... . John . Reed . The Integrator . 2008-11-07 . U.S. 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office . 2009-07-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722175621/http://integrator.hanscom.af.mil/2008/November/11132008/11132008-15.htm . 2011-07-22 . dead .
• Web site: AFMC team works to improve communication between new fighters, bomber . Chuck . Paone . 2009-04-07 . U.S. Air Force Materiel Command . 2009-08-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090627164816/http://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123143282 . 2009-06-27 . dead .
• Web site: Airborne networking team works to meet challenges . Chuck . Paone . 2009-02-17 . U.S. Air Force Materiel Command . 2009-08-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090225235911/http://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123135783 . 2009-02-25 . dead .

Notes and References

1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6470395 Modelling radio propagation and contention in emulated defence networks
2. http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000088.asp Harris Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)
3. 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."
4. Web site: F-35 Flight Test Update 11 | Code One Magazine.
5. http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/
6. News: Successful F-35, SM-6 Live Fire Test Points to Expansion in Networked Naval Warfare . LaGrone . Sam . 13 September 2016 . news.usni.org . USNI News . 24 November 2016.
7. News: How F-35 Is Transforming U.S. Marine Corps Strike Operations . Seligman . Lara . 24 November 2016 . aviationweek.com . Penton . 24 November 2016.