ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-009

Description

Joint Aerial Layer Networking (JALN) promises to deliver high-performance voice, video, data, and communications relay services to tactically deployed assets including ground, air, and maritime users. Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) is one of the most advanced JALN component systems. JALN employs manned and unmanned aircraft outfitted with different wireless communication links, creating a high-capacity network backbone and serving as relay points. However, airborne-asset placement/movement, and the associated network topology changes, is as critical to the success of a specific JALN as the output of the power amplifiers and the gain of the antennas. DYNAMICS (DYNamic Airborne MIssion Communications System) is a 3D modeling and optimization tool that integrates with mission-planning software to optimize the path flown by JALN aircraft, maximizing coverage for users. DYNAMICS handles the complexity of flight-path planning that quickly exceeds the capabilities of human planners. ATCorp proposes DYNAMICS as a key technology to be integrated into the upcoming Mission Planning Environment (MPE) for BACN. The transitioning of BACN to SPO status and beyond means that it will require an MPE. The creation of this planning environment presents a unique opportunity to incorporate ATCorp’s innovative flight-path optimization technology into the BACN MPE from day one.