Slide 20 of 28
Notes:
COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS - Continued 1
There are two distinct data links required for the vehicle, a command data link and a control data link. The command data link receives commands from the operator and is expected to have a very low duty cycle for up linking. This data link will be used for return status from the vehicle. While the duty cycle for down linking is anticipated to be higher than that for uplinking, its bandwidth and available duty cycle should suffice for returning vehicle status. The control data link will be used for off board control of the vehicle such as manual flight or off board auto pilots. This is the kind of data link the target drones use. It is anticipated that this data link will have a higher uplink and downlink requirement and should be dedicated to the task of controlling the vehicle. This is the reason it is separate from the command data link.
A data link consists of a data source or receiver, a modem, a radio and an antenna, in its most basic form. The C/S will provide a command data link (modem, radio, antenna & software) and a control data link (modem, radio, antenna and software) and the controls and displays required to operate and use them. The data links are separate from the voice radios.
The C/S will provide the operator with an interphone system for closed loop communications with the vehicle team. This will also be used for voice and audio to the VHF/UHF and SATCOM radios. The radio audio can be selected to override interphone audio or can be blended with it and the volume independently adjusted. When the operator activates a radio key line, his microphone will be ported that radio. It is TBD if this goes out on the closed loop. The interphone will be selectable for a PTT or hot mike.
