E-11A

E-1 1A is a part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity. The specific focus of this program is on Operational Systems Development for the E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) platform. The primary goal is to enable tactical edge Joint and Coalition information interoperability via air, space, and surface systems, including the development and integration of various technologies such as M-Code Military Global Positioning System (MilGPS), Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), Ka-Band Satellite Communications (Ka-SATCOM), and other related components. The program aims to enhance system performance, interoperability, and availability while supporting current and future open mission system technologies.

Efforts under this program include onboard enhancements such as datalink receiving capability in the platform cockpit, expansion of external time reference capabilities, development and integration of additional communications systems/subsystems and components, integration of advanced antennas and waveforms, and the development of future waveforms that are backwards compatible with existing communications. Additionally, the program includes efforts to address safety of flight considerations, aircraft avionics upgrades, early system engineering assessments, risk reduction activities associated with weapon system payload and platform survivability in non-contested through contested environments. The program also encompasses necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver BACN for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability.

Overall, the objective is to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production while anticipating production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. This includes efforts to integrate new hardware and software capabilities that improve system performance and interoperability in line with departmental approaches to system development upgrades.