Cross-domain solutions for airborne operations

In the tactical environment, imagery, video, and other bandwidth-intensive communications are typically handled through satellite communications (SATCOM) when line-of-sight options do not exist.  As communications capabilities improve in the warfighter community, SATCOM services are becoming increasing over-taxed.  To provide additional bandwidth, airborne nodes on resident battlespace aircraft and aerial vehicles can be deployed, but to handle multiple level classified data and data downgrading to the tactical user, an airborne Cross Domain Solution (CDS) is required.  Current CDS products are often too cumbersome for airborne use and require a human-in-the-loop.  SOLUTE and OIS will conduct research under this SBIR to develop a modular hardware architecture for implementation of an automated airborne CDS in a chip, card, and blade environment.  SOLUTE will determine space, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints of candidate aircraft and aerial vehicles, define applications and their security requirements, and determine Real Time Operating System (RTOS) requirements for implementing a Multiple Independent Layers of Security/Safety (MILS)-based CDS solution.  The company will then define the Information Flow and Releasability components of the CDS, conduct a trade-off analysis, and define at least three candidate hardware architecture footprints, along with testing and accreditation strategies for future Phase II development. BENEFIT: Globally, the SATCOM market has increased by more than 40% in the past five years, and the U.S. Government currently makes up 75% of the worlds demand for services.  The impact of this technology will be immediate once implemented, saving potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in DoD SATCOM spending by making greater use of existing airborne assets for tactical communications.  Known multiple level and multilevel tactical applications that can utilize this airborne CDS capability include Web Services, browsing, publish/subscribe, and e-mail, in addition to chat, Voice-over-IP (VOIP), and C4I operational/track data use.  A MILS-based CDS solution will also enhance communications capabilities among all DoD aircraft programs currently slated to use MILS technology, which include the B-1, B-2, F-35, F-22, and C-130 Avionics Modernization Program.  A MILS-based CDS is also directly applicable to the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program and other Software Defined Radio (SDR) markets, the Land Warrior Program, Global Positioning Systems, Army Future Combat Systems, and several mission critical systems aboard the new DDG-1000 Zumult class Destroyer.  Additional commercial application areas include any industry using MILS that requires data compartmentalization and high uptime, including utility infrastructure management, financial services, and data centers.