<title>UAVs as communications routing nodes</title>

Abstract

ABSTRACT Keywords: wireless networking, Common Data Link, network centric, unmanned aerial vehicle, ATM, Quality of Service,TCP/IP 1. INTRODUCTION L-3 Communication Systems-West (L-3 CSW) has fielded a series of high speed wireless, wideband, data links suitable foruse in warfare. These data links offer high bandwidth and robust operation in hostile environments. As the United States andher allies rely further on fast decision loops and comprehensive intelligence to multiply their force ’s effectiveness, these datalinks become increasingly valuable.An architecture with high bandwidth capacity allows the warfighter to separate the strike forces from the sensors, yet stillallow the combined forces to achieve very tight decision loops. For example, a strike fighter force must be provided the highresolution target data (both primary and secondary targets) before the mission and use it at their base for mission planning.Conversely, a force re-targeting and attacking targets of opportunity must carry on board sensors to allow fast targetrecognition and acquisition when the strike orders change during the mission. With wireless, high bandwidth data links to astrike fighter force, the updated location and imagery can be passed to the cockpit in flight, reducing reaction time and bette rutilizing resources.Concepts like Network Centric Warfare (NCW) allow industrialized western nations to reap the advantages of ourinformation dominance. Information dominance must be based on “communications dominance ”. NCW requires a highlyinterconnected chain of command. Combat units with direct access, or quick access, to imagery and other data enjoy greatersituational awareness and thus higher combat effectiveness. A tightly integrated communications architecture also supportsprecision strikes from standoff weapons platforms, reducing friendly casualties in the process