SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) has embarked on a significant project titled “SDR for LCA Mk-II Aircraft”, aiming to develop Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking (MANET) waveforms for advanced communication in India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II program. This initiative addresses the growing demand for more robust, secure, and adaptive communication systems, capable of seamless operations in various mission-critical environments, from air-to-air and air-to-ground to direct ground communications.
As modern warfare becomes increasingly dependent on real-time data and communications, traditional communication systems struggle to meet the evolving requirements. The Indian Air Force (IAF), through the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has outlined the need for a versatile communication system that integrates multiple platforms, operates across different frequency bands, and ensures secure, real-time information sharing during missions.
The Software Defined Radio (SDR) system offers a flexible, programmable solution that can be updated with new waveforms and protocols as needed. MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network) technology, on the other hand, ensures dynamic, self-organizing networks that allow seamless communication between aerial, ground, and relay stations without relying on fixed infrastructure. Together, these technologies will revolutionize communication for the LCA Mk-II, providing unmatched flexibility and reliability.
The primary goal of this project is to develop and implement SDR and MANET waveforms that can meet the complex communication needs of the LCA Mk-II, across various scenarios. The waveforms will operate over V/UHF and L-Band channels, enabling the aircraft to communicate effectively across air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Key features of the SDR system include:
Comprehensive Testing: Before the system is deployed in the LCA Mk-II, it will undergo thorough testing, including Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V), simulation, lab, system, and local trials, as well as Rig Testing. These steps are crucial to ensuring system robustness and performance under diverse operational conditions.
DO-178C Level B Compliance: The software will adhere to DO-178C Level B standards, ensuring rigorous safety and reliability for mission-critical avionics. The SDR will also meet DO-254 Level B standards for its Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic, further enhancing system performance.
Waveform Flexibility: The SDR system will be capable of hosting various waveforms, making it adaptable to different mission scenarios. It will feature components such as Application Layer Modules, Networking Protocols, and Physical Layer elements that are scalable and capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
The SDR and MANET systems for the LCA Mk-II will consist of several application modules, each designed to fulfill specific communication, networking, and situational awareness needs. These modules include:
Datalink Application: This Network-Centric Operation (NCO) application will facilitate the sharing of mission-specific parameters between the aerial platforms and the ground control. It will also periodically report the health status of aerial platforms, providing real-time feedback to the mission commanders.
Network Management Software (NMS): This will manage the entire network of airborne and ground assets, ensuring seamless data exchange through various components like Data Gateway, DNS, DHCP, and Network Manager Modules. The NMS will ensure stable and reliable connections, even in dynamic mission environments.
Messaging & Communication Suites of Application (MCSA): The MCSA will support multimedia communication, including audio/video calls, video data streaming, and GIS Map Layer Integration. These functionalities will provide comprehensive situational awareness, enabling real-time communication and strategic decision-making.
IP Data Gateway Software (IPDG): Designed as per DO-178C standards, the IPDG ensures secure and reliable data transmission between various platforms in the network. It will undergo rigorous testing to validate its ability to handle mission-critical data under extreme conditions.
Situational Awareness Software (SAS): One of the most crucial components, the SAS will generate a Common Operating Picture (COP) using data from multiple networked sensors. The COP will provide mission commanders with a real-time, holistic view of the battlefield, significantly enhancing decision-making.
The ability to share data at a high frequency (10 Hz periodicity) between platforms means that the LCA Mk-II will operate with unparalleled efficiency, as mission-critical information is constantly updated across the network. This feature is particularly valuable for networked operations involving multiple aircraft and ground assets, where coordination and communication are key.
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