Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft.Modelling radio propagation and contention in emulated defence networks, MilCIS, 8–10 November 2011, by M. Britton and A. Coyle. It began as a method to coordinate between F-35 (the Joint Strike Fighter), but HQ Air Combat Command wants to expand the capability to coordinate future USAF strike forces of all AF stealth aircraft, including the B-2, F-22, and unmanned systems. MADL is expected to provide needed throughput, latency, frequency-hopping and anti-jamming capability with phased array antenna assemblies (AAAs) that send and receive tightly directed radio signals.Harris Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) MADL uses the Ku band."Israel, U.S. Agree To $450 Million In F-35 EW Work." Av Week, 6 August 2012.
The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics directed the Air Force and Navy to integrate MADL among the F-22, F-35 and B-2, to one another and to the rest of network.
As of 2010, the Air Force has canceled upgrade plans for the F-22 to receive MADL citing technology maturity risks.
Critics contend that since Link 16 is the standard by which U.S. and Allied aircraft communicate, upgrades to Link-16 radios should be supported that can provide the same capabilities as MADL while maintaining interoperability.
The MADL could be used beyond a four-ship flight.
Platforms The F-22 Raptor MADL upgrade was cancelled in 2010http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ The F-35 Lightning II has MADL built in B-2 Spirit US Navy surface combatants with Baseline 9 Aegis Combat System can take targeting data from F-35s via MADL. E-7A Wedgetail
See also Global Information Grid Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Network-centric warfare
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