Multifunction Advanced Data Link Training | MADL Training Course

Multifunction Advanced Data Link Training, MADL Training Course  (Unclassified) by Tonex

Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a Ku-band based fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft.

It got its start as a way to coordinate between F-35 aircraft (the Joint Strike Fighter) allowing coordinated tactics and engagement to bring significant operational advantages to fifth-generation aircraft operating in high-threat environments.

MADL is a key capability provided by Northrop Grumman’s F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics. MADL provides needed throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability with phased Array Antenna Assemblies (AAAs).

These antenna assemblies send and receive tightly directed radio signals in the Ku band.to support capabilities of a narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircrafts, B-2 and unmanned systems.

In other words, MADL is  an advanced communications link that can send information securely between F-35s.

MADL, when operated in conjunction with other F-35 sensors, can achieve the much sought-after goal of sharing threat data and helping the jet find and destroy enemy targets from ranges where it remains undetected. This ability, shown in several wargames in recent years, is something that F-35 pilots point to as a defining reason for its superiority.

As for the future, MADL technology appears to be about to take on a bigger role. The Air Force and other F-35 operating services, such as the Navy and Marine Corps, have in recent years been working on additional communications technologies for the F-35 jet to expand its operations.

The MADL-like ability will be included on F-22 Raptors and fourth-generation aircraft too.

Multifunction Advanced Data Link Training, MADL Training Course  (Unclassified) by Tonex

Multifunction Advanced Data Link Training, MADL Training Course is a 2-day unclassified training program covers key principles of MADL, a fast switching tactical datalink (TDL).

Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a Ku-band based fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft. It started as a method to coordinate between F-35 aircraft (the Joint Strike Fighter) allowing coordinated tactics and engagement to bring significant operational advantages to fifth-generation aircraft operating in high-threat environments. MADL is a key capability provided by Northrop Grumman’s F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics.

MADL provides needed throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability with phased Array Antenna Assemblies (AAAs) that send and receive tightly directed radio signals in the Ku band.to support capabilities of a narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircrafts, B-2, and unmanned systems. It is  an advanced communications link that can send information securely between F-35s.

MADL is part of Northrop Grumman’s F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics and an important element of the F-35 Block 2 software release.

Learning objectives
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the key concepts behind Tactical Data Links (TDLs)
• Learn about F-35 aircraft (the Joint Strike Fighter) stealth aircraft key sensors related to EW and ISR functions
• Describe the goals, objectives and functions of Mutifunctional Advanced data Link (MADL)
• Discuss the value proposition for MADL
• Discuss the key building blocks of MADL
• Learn about F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics
• Learn about the Ku-band based Communications Data Link and phased Array Antenna Assemblies (AAAs)
• Learn about Sensor Fusion and Machine Learning Functions

Course Outline:

General MADL Background

• Introduction to Tactical Data Links (TDLs)
• Overview of F-35 aircraft (the Joint Strike Fighter) stealth aircraft key features
• Sensors related to F-35 EW and ISR functions
• Need for advanced communications link between F-35s
• What is Mutifunctional Advanced data Link (MADL)?
• Review of Data Link Technology
• General MADL Background
• Goals and Objectives of MADL
• The Genesis of the MADL Technology
• General MADL Functionality
• What MADL is Intended to Accomplish
• What Problems it was Designed to Solve

MADL Conops (Potential Scenarios)

• MADL Cross Compatibility
• How the MADL System Is Compatible with other Platforms and Data Links
• Voice Communications
• Navigation/Landing Aids
• Identification/Surveillance
• Audio Functions
• Data Communications

MADL System Survey and Key Building Blocks

• High-level MADL domain features
• MADL Functional Elements
• Survey of the MADL Technology
• MADL Platforms
• MADL System Characteristics
• MADL Network
• F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics
• MADL Receiver/Transmitter
• MADL Messages
• Minimum Implementation
• The Airborne
• Ground-based And Maritime Platforms
• Interoperability

MADL Waveform Frequency Bands

• Frequency Bands in Which MADL Will Operate (Unclassified)
• Standardized Waveforms and Data Formats
• Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Operation
• Intra- and Inter-flight Communications.
• MADL Waveform Performance
• What Comprises the Waveform
• The TDMA Structure and Data
• MADL Waveform Commonality
• How MADL Interoperates with Other TDLs
• The Limitations of MADL
• Modelling Radio Propagation and Contention in Emulated MADL Networks

MADL Data Link Features

• General Overview
• Jam-resistant
• Secure Digital Data
• High Level RF Propagation and Antenna Review
• Summary of the Principles of RF propagation
• Principles of RF Properties at Ku Band
• Basic Antenna Theory
• Phased Array Antennas
• Role of Phased Array Antennas in MADL (phased Array Antenna Assemblies (AAAs)

Workshop/Case Study

• Overview of F-35 sensors
• Analyzing Northrop Grumman’s F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics and AAAs
• Ku band RF Engineering
• Overview of MADL use cases in B-2 and unmanned systems
• Analyzing MADL’s throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability
• Role of Sensor Fusion and Machine Learning technologies
• Analyzing the key features of sharing threat data using MADL technology