Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) and Roll On Beyond-Line-of-Sight Enhancement (ROBE) Convergence

Background
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA) is conducting Market Research by seeking information from vendors specializing in the areas of interoperability between two separate capabilities specifically Roll On Beyond-Line-of-Sight Enhancement (ROBE) and Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN). BACN is an enabling communication system that provides interoperable information exchange between disparate U.S. Secret Tactical Data Networks (TDN) systems, voice relay and bridging between unique tactical voice systems. ROBE is an airborne, roll on/roll off Tactical Data Link and RF Payload. The Government seeks information on the viability and potential synergies of merging both of these capabilities to effectively support the warfighter.

Work Details
The AFLCMC/HNA is responsible for the development, acquisition, and sustainment of aerial network systems that support the United States Air Force (USAF) and its mission partners. The division is focused on enhancing communication capabilities and ensuring seamless information exchange between various Tactical Data Networks (TDN) systems and tactical voice systems to support operational requirements and support flexible, long-endurance, and multi-mission airborne communications capabilities. The objective of this RFI is to identify enhancements to ROBE that will make it more interoperable with BACN and strengthen the BACN mission for the future.

Place of Performance
Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts