Connectivity Technologies for Airborne Networks Using Smart Radio

DoD airborne networks require increased bandwidth to wirelessly connected users, and is deploying a family of software-defined radios (SDR) and networks called Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), based on Software Communications Architecture (SCA). JTRS waveforms can allow internetworking gateway layers that integrate multiple, incompatible radio devices and networks. JTRS waveforms such as Airborne Networking Waveform (ANW) often employ MANET techniques, and employ re-usable modular waveform components, such as routing algorithms, which can be replaced with improved versions developed under this SBIR. In Phase I we conducted requirements analysis, defined airborne networking testbed architectures and identified location-aware algorithms for minimum-energy routing and Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) for further development in Phase II. In Phase II we continue to develop high bandwidth, energy efficient Airborne Network communication links. We leverage our SCA compatible “Smart Radio” prototype developed under an SBIR AF03-098 Phase II, as well as complementary MANET research conducted under a NIST Phase I SBIR, embedding our new algorithms as components of our SCA waveform stack. We are teamed with General Dynamics C4 Systems and Virginia Tech to develop a flight testable functional prototype. Our High Assurance Wireless Computing System (HAWCS) architecture addresses issues raised in JTRS CP295 “Exposed Black Side”.