The RAF No 1 Air Control Centre (1ACC) provides a Tactical Air Command and Control (Air C2) capability that enables 24-hour weapons control and air surveillance coverage of a given area within the Joint Force Air Component Commander’s (JFACC) Area of Responsibility. Utilizing a mix of organic radars, Tactical Data Links (TDL) and Command Information Systems, 1ACC can undertake duties similar to those normally associated with Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, such as aircraft control and air and maritime surveillance.

Ultra has supplied it’s ADSI product, integrated into a complete deployable Air C2 configuration, to provide 1ACC with the capability to receive and transmit Link 1, Link 11A/B and Link 16 MIDS, and J series messaging via satellite or secure internet system, using JTIDS Range Extender Application Protocol (JREAP). The system is supplied as 5 flight cases and includes MIDS LVT, Link 11A DTS, KG40A crypto, Link 11B and Link 1 modems, HF radios, UHF/VHF radios, antennas, antenna masts and the ADSI system itself.

This system also provides 1 ACC with the ability to data forward between the tactical links supported, allowing 1 ACC to fuse the tactical data link picture with its own organic radars and then transmit a single integrated tactical air and surface picture to higher command level. In this way 1ACC fulfils one of it’s prime functions; to provide the Joint Air Operations Centre with the situational awareness required to enable real-time airspace battle management.

The system provides a much needed Link 16 capability and offers an early entry configuration to get Air Command and Control into theatre right at the start of the operation before other infrastructure and equipment arrives. The system can also be linked to radars and can fuse the TDL and local sensor picture.

This programme is an example of Ultra’s ability to provide complex tactical data link systems based on off the shelf equipment.