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6.1 GENERAL The airborne sensor suites of the endurance UAVs and their ground segment components interact through over-the-horizon (OTH) satellite relay and line-of-sight (LOS) links to maintain command and control and sensor data dissemination communication paths. Bandwidth compression is applied to sensor data to maximize area coverage and data throughput. Communications systems are being engineered to minimize susceptibility to jamming and interception. Dissemination of UAV collected intelligence is made through direct downlinks to national and theater intelligence centers and exploitation systems or through established communications between UAV ground control stations and the exploitation systems. The UAV ground control station has limited capabilities to disseminate collected intelligence directly to an exploitation ground system or battlefield customer. The emerging Global Broadcast Service (GBS) concept is expected to form the foundation for near real-time dissemination of UAV intelligence products to exploitation systems and battlefield customers. The supported command has the responsibility to integrate deployed UAV communications systems into the theater Defense Information Infrastructure (DII) to provide timely dissemination of collected intelligence to the requesting customer. This section of the ACC Endurance UAV CONOPS fully supports the migration of CAF exploitation systems to Multi-Source Intelligence Ground System (MIGS) and Common Imagery Ground/Surface System (CIGSS) architecture standards.

6.2 Predator (See Figure 6-1) The Predator UAV and its GCS provide battlefield imagery and other intelligence products to national and theater intelligence centers, theater exploitation systems, JTF commanders, and warfighting forces equipped with compatible imagery terminals. It can operate from forward deployed locations or reside with theater exploitation systems at an established base of operations. The system has the capability to collect and disseminate SAR frame imagery along with EO/IR frame and video imagery. Other collection capabilities may be added in the future.

6.2.1 Communications Capabilities

6.2.1.1 Predator GCS Communications Workstations The data exploitation-mission planning-communication (DEMPC) workstations provide limited data exploitation, mission planning, mission and payload monitoring, and system management capabilities. Externally accessible communications capabilities include HF, UHF, VHF radios, tactical voice and direct electronic connectivity to the UAV communications system, such as the AN/TSQ-190 TROJAN SPIRIT II, USAF Theater Deployable Communications (TDC), or Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) for dissemination of all types of collected products.

6.2.1.2 TROJAN SPIRIT II (TS II) The TROJAN SPIRIT II provides the GCS data downlink and command and control communications links to the Predator UAV and voice and data communications access to system tasking authorities, dissemination networks, and exploitation systems via SATCOM. A single TS II system consists of two high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) with integrated equipment shelters, two trailer mounted SATCOM antennas, and two diesel powered generators as well as onboard environmental conditioning units. TS II provides Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) and/or Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) connectivity through the TROJAN Switching Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia or designated theater Defense Information Infrastructure interface points and utilizes the Joint Defense Intelligence Support System to disseminate imagery and data to national and theater intelligence servers. ACC envisions a migration from TS II to USAF TDC equipment, including the Lightweight Multi-Band Satellite Terminal (LMST) and Integrated Communications Access Package (ICAP) in the future to provide a scaleable, deployable ground communications package for UAVs with a smaller airlift footprint and commonality with CAF standard deployable C4 systems. This migration to TDC equipment will reduce training and sustainment costs associated with the unique, limited scale employment of TS II with CAF UAV squadrons.

6.2.1.3 Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) JWICS is the sensitive compartmented information (SCI) component of the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) and replaces DSNET 3. The JWICS architecture is designed to provide secure, high capacity (fractional T-1 or greater) communications to handle character data, near real-time (almost full motion) video, voice, imagery, and graphics. The UAV ground segments use JWICS to pass video and frame imagery, data, and text messages to theater and national exploitation centers. Note: JWICS video capabilities during the Predator ACTD did not meet the minimum requirements of warfighting customers for full motion video fidelity.

6.2.1.4 Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) SIPRNET is the portion of DISN which enables classified information (up to SECRET) transport across the wide area network. SIPRNET users transmit and receive classified data using a variety of subsystems and applications such as GCCS and Intelink-S. SIPRNET, like the rest of DISN, is scaleable as additional subscribers, traffic loads, transmission costs, and other factors dictate. SIPRNET is the JCS preferred communication service path for dissemination of non-SCI, still frame UAV imagery and other intelligence.

6.2.1.5 Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS) JDISS is a PC/UNIX-based deployable workstation which interfaces with a Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) or Joint Analysis Center (JAC) for the purpose of exchanging intelligence data base information and imagery. The JDISS terminal is used to review, select, and forward Predator Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery to exploitation centers and national/theater intelligence centers as needed. JDISS can utilize either JWICS or SIPRNET communications networks. The TS II includes one JDISS terminal; JDISS access will also be possible in the future using a TDC Integrated Communications Access Package.

6.2.1.6 Global Broadcast Service/Joint Broadcast Service (GBS/JBS) These services utilize broadcast technologies to provide wide area network information dissemination capabilities. Less than satisfactory Predator UAV full motion video fidelity using JWICS and a lack of imagery capable workstations in the European theater during Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR drove the Bosnia C2 Augmentation Initiative and Battlefield Awareness and Data Dissemination (ACTD) prototype fielding of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) VSATs and information servers for dissemination of unclassified, unexploited, high fidelity full motion Predator UAV video and other selected products to users with GBS/JBS receive capability in theater and in the United States. This prototype service has been well received by warfighters and is addressed in a separate ACC GBS CONOPS. GBS is expected to remain the service of choice for high fidelity full motion Predator video.

6.2.2 Internal Communications (See Table 6-1)

6.2.2.1 Line-of-Sight (LOS) The LOS link provides command and control uplink and product downlink while the Predator UAV operates within approximately 100 nautical mile LOS of the GCS. The link is used to launch and recover the aircraft and perform the EO/IR mission of the system when within range. The LOS link is a C-band, 4.5 Mbs analog data link which provides full color and IR video at a 30 Hz frame rate. The LOS link is not interoperable with existing exploitation ground systems (CARS, JSIPS, etc.); however, future migration to a compatible and fully interoperable architecture using the Common Data Link standard is planned for the future.

6.2.2.2 UHF SATCOM The UHF SATCOM link provides over-the-horizon (OTH) command and control uplink and frame imagery (except SAR) downlink while the Predator operates outside LOS limitations of the GCS. Command and control capabilities are limited to ingress and egress due to satellite control-response delays. The UHF link supports a bandwidth of 16 Kbs. The UHF SATCOM link is not interoperable with existing exploitation ground systems (CARS, JSIPS, etc.) and is expected to be removed from the Predator airframes in order to accommodate onboard VHF/UHF radio relays to provide AVOs communications capability with air traffic control facilities.

6.2.2.3 Ku-Band SATCOM The Ku-band commercial SATCOM link provides OTH command and control uplink and sensor data downlink while the Predator operates outside LOS limitations of the GCS. The command and control capabilities are limited to ingress and egress due to satellite control-response delays. The SATCOM link supports a bandwidth of 1.544 Mbs (T-1) and is capable of downlinking high resolution SAR frames and EO/IR black and white or color video. The aircraft data link system is designed to work with Ku-band satellite spot beams to minimize size, weight, and power requirements for the airborne SATCOM system. It is not designed nor adequately powered to operate with earth-coverage beams; therefore, both the UAV and its supporting earth terminal must operate within the satellite’s spot beam (1,500 NM diameter) coverage during Ku-band SATCOM operations. The Ku-band SATCOM link is not interoperable with existing exploitation ground systems (CARS, JSIPS, etc.); however, a compatible and fully interoperable architecture in the future is envisioned. Capabilities described below don’t include VSATs or GBS/JBS equipment (which is NOT provided by the deploying Predator detachment.)

Notes: ΠImagery is EO/IR only; 30 Hz frame rate (C band)

 Supports EO/IR/SAR at 7 frames/second

Ž Spot beam only; will not work on earth coverage beam

6.2.3 External Communications (See Table 6-2)

6.2.3.1 Theater Exploitation Sites The GCS has the capability to provide video/frame imagery and intelligence electronically to compatible theater deployed intelligence exploitation systems via the TS II or through a communications architecture and equipment provided by the supported command. Communications will include access to common user voice and data networks, radio networks, point-to-point cabling, and satellite communications.

6.2.3.2 JICS and Rear Exploitation Sites The GCS has the capability to provide video/frame imagery and intelligence electronically to national and rear exploitation sites and systems via the TS II (or equivalent SATCOM system) or through a communications architecture and equipment provided by the supported command. The TS II can relay intelligence products via satellite to the TROJAN Switching Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia (or another theater designated reachback point) for dissemination via JWICS, SIPRNET, or point-to-point dedicated connectivity. Predator UAV operators use a JDISS terminal to transfer annotated imagery over JWICS or SIPRNET. The Ku-band SATCOM link uses 512 Kbs to transfer almost full motion video, graphics, and narrative data to requesting agencies and other subscribers on JWICS and SIPRNET.

Notes: Œ All MCE communications connectivity is through TROJAN SPIRIT II or equivalent systems  TS II can forward imagery and intelligence products to DII interface/Reachback points or Ž To JWICS or SIPRNET through the TROJAN Switching Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia

6.3 Global Hawk and DarkStar (See Figures 6-2 & 6-3) Global Hawk, DarkStar, and their respective mission control (MCE), ground communications (GCE), and launch and recovery elements (LRE) provides battlefield imagery intelligence and surveillance and warning to national and theater intelligence centers, theater exploitation systems (CARS, JSIPS, ETRAC, MIES, MIGS, etc.), and Joint Force Commanders. While the LRE can forward deploy, typically the MCE will be located at a sustained base with an exploitation system and theater communications links. The systems have the capability to collect and disseminate SAR and EO/IR frame imagery.

6.3.1.1 Ground Communications Element (GCE) The GCE is the technical control for both satellite and terrestrial communications equipment supporting connectivity with the UAV, exploitation sites, and national/theater dissemination networks. The GCE provides multiple voice and data communications to include HF, UHF, VHF radios, tactical voice and connectivity to TROJAN SPIRIT II (or LMST/ICAP) and theater communications networks. The supported command is responsible for integration of GCE systems into the theater DII architecture to support the dissemination of collected intelligence from the GCE to the requesting customer.

6.3.1.2 TROJAN SPIRIT II (TS II) The Conv HAE and LO-HAE UAV systems may use the TS II or TDC compatible systems (LMST/ICAP) to support OTH and national/theater dissemination requirements. See description of TS II in paragraph 6.2.1.2.

6.3.1.3 SIPRNET SIPRNET provides wide area service connectivity to intelligence processing centers, systems, and consumers. The GCE provides connection as a remote terminal from the SIPRNET DISN node to exchange collateral (SECRET) information between consumers and providers. The MCE will utilize a collateral JDISS terminal to receive database information and transmit processed intelligence. The GCE will rely on theater provided communications, TS II, or TDC to gain access to SIPRNET. See paragraph 6.2.1.4 for more information on SIPRNET.

6.3.1.4 JWICS JWICS provides wide area service connectivity for SCI consumers and providers. The GCE provides connection as a remote terminal from the JWICS service point. The MCE will utilize a SCI JDISS terminal to receive database information and transmit processed intelligence (see JWICS paragraph 6.2.1.3). The GCE will rely on theater provided communications, TS II, or TDC to gain access to JWICS.

6.3.1.5 JDISS The MCE will utilize the JDISS as a front end to the SIPRNET and JWICS networks. The MCE will have both a collateral (up to SECRET) and SCI JDISS for receipt of database information and dissemination of processed intelligence. See paragraph 6.2.1.5 for a description of JDISS.

6.3.1.6 AUTODIN/Defense Message System The GCE supports the capability to receive General Service (GENSER) and Defense Special Security Communications System (DSSCS) message traffic. Message traffic usually consists of ATOs and special intelligence information. The GCE will rely on theater provided communications, TS II, or TDC to gain access to electronic messaging.

6.3.1.7 Point-to-Point Data Link A point-to-point data link will enable UAV ground segments to send downlinked video/frame sensor/other unexploited products directly to a collocated or geographically separate exploitation system. Desired data rates range from 45 Mbs (T-3) to 1.5 Mbs (T-1). The supported command is responsible for integrating these point-to-point data links from the GCE to the requesting customer.

6.3.2 Internal Communications (See Table 6-3)

6.3.2.1 Line-of-Sight (LOS) The LOS communications link provides a command and control uplink and data dissemination downlink while the UAV aircraft operates within LOS of the GCE. The system utilizes Common Data Link (CDL) technology and provides a wide-band data link developed for common use by other airborne reconnaissance systems. CDL supports a 274 Mbs downlink and a 200 Kbs uplink. The ground station deploys with a surface terminal for CDL operations while the aircraft is within LOS. The wideband data link provides full receipt of sensor data which is processed and compressed in-turn and sent electronically to theater and/or national sites for intelligence exploitation. Onboard sensor data links will have the capability to downlink/uplink directly with exploitation ground systems (CARS, JSIPS, ETRAC, etc.) through the CDL architecture.

6.3.2.2.1 UHF SATCOM The OTH UHF communications link provides command and control uplink and data dissemination downlink through satellite communications between Global Hawk and the MCE and LRE ground stations. Both the MCE and LRE deploy with UHF antennas for OTH operations. The UHF link from the LRE provides command and control of HAE UAVs for launch, enroute, and recovery efforts. The UHF link from the MCE provides command and control between launch and recovery efforts. OTH UHF communications will also be possible from existing theater exploitation systems (CARS, JSIPS, ETRAC, MIGS, etc.) Due to bandwidth limitations and low data throughput, this link provides limited utility for data dissemination.

6.3.2.2.2 SHF SATCOM The OTH SHF communications link provides command and control uplink and data dissemination downlink through satellite communications between the Global Hawk and MCE. The system is capable of OTH operations utilizing both military and commercial satellites. Although bandwidth on military satellites is limited, it is envisioned that data rates up to 1.544 Mbs for DarkStar and 50 Mbs for the Global Hawk are achievable via commercial satellite (e.g. PANAMSAT or INTELSAT). The ground station deploys with a tri-band SATCOM terminal for OTH operations. The OTH data link provides for receipt of sensor data which is processed and compressed in-turn and sent to theater and/or national sites for intelligence exploitation. OTH SHF communications will also be possible from existing theater exploitation systems (CARS, JSIPS, ETRAC, MIGS, etc.)

6.3.2.2.3 Airborne Imagery Technology (ABIT) The HAE UAVs will take advantage of future advancements in data link technology. The ABIT program provides a wide band (274 Mbs) air-to-air relay of imagery using a UAV as a collector and another as the relay vehicle. The CDL equipment on the collector aircraft and sensor equipment on the relay aircraft are replaced with ABIT equipment. The CDL LOS remains the same between the relay aircraft and the ground segment. The concept will extend the range for LOS data collection by 400-500 NM.

Table 6-3: HAE UAV Communications

6.3.3 External Communications (See Table 6-4)

6.3.3.1 Theater Exploitation Sites Global Hawk and DarkStar provide processed imagery directly to theater designated exploitation ground systems via a high capacity land link, direct downlink from Global Hawk UAV sensor systems, or OTH SHF satellite links (DarkStar data must pass through the MCE first). When desired, forward deployed exploitation systems may be collocated with the GCE. The wideband high data rate output is formatted to be compatible with CARS/ETRAC using TREDS 0007 standard format and with JSIPS/MIES in NITFS 2.0 format. When collocated, a high capacity communications link is required and is the responsibility of the supported command to provide. A T-1 (1.544 Mbs) is required; however, a T-3 (45 Mbs) link is highly desired for surge dissemination. The UAV has the capability to downlink via direct LOS or via OTH SHF communications links to existing theater exploitation systems using CDL architecture.

6.3.3.2 JICS and Rear Exploitation Sites. The Global Hawk and DarkStar GCE provides processed imagery to JICS and other rear sites for exploitation via theater established high rate data circuits over common networks (SIPRNET, JWICS, DISN Leading Edge Services, etc.) A TS II or TDC may be used to gain access to theater or CONUS Reachback Defense Information Infrastructure entry points. The supported command is responsible for integrating GCE connectivity into theater DII dissemination networks and architectures.

Notes: Œ JDISS/JWICS connectivity not defined  The ground communications suite (i.e. TS II, TDC, or other) the Global Hawk and DarkStar will utilize is to be determined Ž TS II can link imagery to any facility served by another TROJAN system or interface to JWICS or SIPRNET through a theater entry point or the TROJAN Switching Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia