E-11A

The PE 0207238F / E-1 1A program element in the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget is dedicated to the operational systems development of the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) platform. This program supports the integration and enhancement of advanced communication and networking capabilities for the E-11A fleet. The E-11A serves as a critical airborne gateway to enable tactical edge, joint, and coalition information interoperability across air, space, and surface domains. The primary objectives are to ensure seamless, secure, and resilient data transfer and communications in support of current and future operational requirements.

671201: E-1 1 Development focuses on the development and integration of emerging Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies, specifically the Military Global Positioning System (MilGPS) with M-Code capability, into the E-11A aircraft. The goal is to provide enhanced, jam-resistant military-grade GPS capabilities to all BACN aircraft, ensuring operational effectiveness in contested and non-contested environments. This effort involves significant engineering, integration, and testing due to the civil-derivative nature of the E-11A airframes. Extensive airworthiness certification and system compatibility assessments are required.

The M-Code MilGPS initiative under this line item is tasked with the design, development, integration, and certification of M-Code GPS technology within the E-11A avionics suite. This includes the deployment of Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation (EGI), Antenna Electronics Units (AEU), and Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA) to ensure robust anti-jamming and secure navigation. The program aims to complete software development, hardware integration, and deployment of M-Code across the entire BACN fleet. A phased approach is used, involving research and development on select aircraft before full fleet implementation.

675383: Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) is primarily focused on the development and enhancement of BACN payload weapon system components. The objectives include continuous software upgrades to improve information processing, communication capabilities, and cybersecurity resilience. These upgrades encompass the integration of advanced communications systems such as Ka-Band Satellite Communications (Ka-SATCOM), the Integrated Broadcast System (IBS), and the Multi-User Objective System (MUOS). The program also develops advanced antennas, waveforms, and radio interfaces to support evolving mission requirements.

The BACN Software Upgrades project is responsible for the design, integration, testing, and certification of software modifications that enable new capabilities and address cybersecurity and operational risks. Major efforts include the completion of service pack upgrades, incorporation of Airborne Executive Processor (AEP) enhancements, and the integration of advanced communication waveforms. These upgrades ensure compatibility with the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. These efforts are essential for maintaining BACN's role as a key enabler of joint and coalition interoperability.

Both development lines under PE 0207238F address system survivability, safety of flight, aircraft structural integrity, and continuity of service. Risk reduction activities, early system engineering assessments, and the resolution of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues are integral to ensuring long-term platform viability. The program also funds the development of simulators, training materials, and technical publications to support operational readiness and compliance with evolving mandates.

Management and execution of these efforts include necessary civilian pay expenses and leverage a range of acquisition strategies and contracting mechanisms to support research, development, integration, and interoperability objectives. The goal of PE 0207238F / E-1 1A is to ensure that the E-11A BACN fleet remains a technologically advanced, reliable, and mission-ready airborne communications gateway, capable of supporting dynamic operational requirements in increasingly complex and contested environments.