The Navy's Use of Digital Radio

Since the early 1960's, the Navy has utilized digital data links in support of their Tactical Communication, Command and Control Systems. Most of these systems continue to be used operationally. They include links 4, 11, and 14. These systems, however, lack the ability of combatting the anticipated electronic warfare threat as well as providing the performance required of a modern digital data system. Two new systems are in development that will improve performance as well as meet future threats. They are Fleet Satellite Communications and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System. The demand of implementing new systems while retaining backward compatibility has suggested using an integrated architecture for the aircraft's communication system. The Tactical Information Exchange System is a communication's system design utilizing programmable multifunction signal processing components interconnected with a BUS architecture that may be the ultimate solution to the Military aircraft communication design problem.