Remote Consolidated Data Loader

In currently Air Force operations, mission planning data is generated using aground-based system, and is then hand carried to the aircraft shortly beforetakeoff. To allow more time for the mission planning operations, the Air Forcewould like to be able to use wireless data transmission to transfer this data.SFC proposes to develop a Remote Consolidated Data Loader (RCDL) to meet this need.The RCDL will use a COTS wireless technology to transfer data from the MissionPlanning System (MPS) to the aircraft. In a previous SBIR, SFC has developed aprototype wireless maintenance tool, called PALM-IT, which has many of the featuresdesired for the RCDL. SFC intended to leverage this experience in developing theRCDL; as part of Phase I, this prototype will be modified to support the functionsneeded by the RCDL. During Phase I, we will define the hardware and softwarerequirements for the RCDL, select the COTS wireless technology to be used,evaluate the COMSEC requirements and select an NSA-approved encryption standard,and gather requirements from potential users of the RCDL, and develop a top-leveldesign. The RCDL system will be flight-tested during Phase II aboard a CombatTalon I aircraft.By eliminating the time spent hand-carrying the mission planning data to theaircraft, the RCDL system will allow a larger amount of pre-flight time to bedevoted to mission planning. This can be a significant benefit, particularlywhen operating in a high-tempo environment. By utilizing NSA-approved Type Iencryption standards, RCDL will provide a high degree of data security, whileeliminating the need for the portable media currently in use. By offering futurecompatibility with GATM systems to be fielded within the next decade, RCDL willeventually be able to support in-flight data transfers, allowing mission planningand other information to be updated even while a mission is in progress.