Airbus has demonstrated Network for the Sky (NFTS) connected airborne battlespace technology on a multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft.
The NFTS programme seeks to create an intelligent network across manned and unmanned airborne assets to enable seamless interoperability between them.
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NFTS will ensure highly secure and resilient end-to-end military communications capability.
It operates a hybrid network that brings together technologies such as satellite and ground communications, air-to-ground, ground-to-air and air-to-air tactical links, 5G mobile communications and laser connections.
The network will allow aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters to be an integral part of high-speed military networks.
Airbus Defence and Space intelligence and security communications head Evert Dudok said: “This unique demonstration is a significant milestone in realising our vision of secure connectivity, which will enable the future air combat Cloud and enhance real-time execution of military missions.”
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By GlobalDataDuring the flight demonstration, Airbus simulated the establishment of multi-Mbit/s, wideband communication links between ground forces operatives located in Getafe, Spain, a fighter jet and an MRTT, and a combined air operations centre (CAOC) on the ground.
As part of the scenario, both the operatives and jet fighter sent video in real-time to provide enhanced situational awareness. They received instructions from the CAOC in return.
The operative on the ground was equipped with a standard handheld radio for Nato forces. The role of the fighter jet was to obtain imagery of the area of interest.
It also served as a communications node between the operative and the MRTT when it was operating within a 150km radius at an altitude of 30,000ft.
A wideband line-of-sight data link was used to relay communications between the fighter jet and the MRTT, while a wideband satellite link enabled the MRTT to transmit the video and its own communications to a space teleport near Washington DC, US.
The teleport then returned the communications flow to Europe through a terrestrial link to the ground-based CAOC.
The scenario allowed the company to showcase the real-time operation of secure end-to-end communications across ground-air tactical link, air-air wideband link between two aircraft, air-satellite relay and terrestrial networks.
Following the demonstration, the company will now focus on developing the core capability for SMART MRTT connectivity, which will enable the MRTT to act as a high-end communication node.
Airbus expects the NFTS to offer full operational capability by next year.
