The purpose of the C, EC, HC, MC –130; KC-135, C-17, C-5, HH-60 RTIC effort is to provide the existing aircraft with a Real Time
Information in the Cockpit (RTIC) system that meets current mission operational requirements for a comprehensive, networked
communications capability throughout all theatres of operation, and an increased situational awareness capability. The RTIC system
is comprised of a Secure Line of Sight Tactical Data-Link Enhanced Position Locating Reporting Systems (EPLRS) radio with a
Situational Awareness Data-Link (SADL) implementation, a Beyond Line of Sight Data-Link ARC-210 radio and High Power Amplifier
(HPA), 2 Esterline CMC Electronics Tacview Display systems for the pilot and co-pilot, integrated with a mission laptop computer
currently used by the navigator, a processor/server for command and control of the radios and displays, Group A components, and
existing host A/C navigational system data, all of which work together to provide required operational performance.
RTIC was the # 1 most desired capability for the C-130H aircraft at the ’08 and ’09 Air Reserve Component (ARC) Weapons and
Tactics Conference (WEPTAC) and the Air Force Reserve Command ’09 Combat Planning Council (CPC). This also applies to all the
airlift and helicopters and special mission aircraft that are on the network. Furthermore, the RTIC upgrade program is considered to
be the first step in Mobility Air Force (MAF) platform migration from current unsecure data to secure data capabilities and
interoperability as outlined in the MAF Airborne Network Enabling Concept. RTIC implements an enterprise approach across aircraft.
The resulting Group B equipment will be a common, loosely integrated system with respect to the individual platform operational
flight programs (a federated system). Aircraft and crews are deployed and operating in areas where increased situational awareness
is essential to the current mission. MAF aircrews and aircraft operate in a global environment that is fluid and dynamic. The limited,
unprotected connectivity, usually only voice, to command and control agencies puts them at risk of failure. Aircrews do not always
receive changes to weather and threat conditions, diplomatic clearances, airfield restrictions, and mission tasking in time to
positively influence the desired outcome. Voice communications are hampered by incomplete global coverage, tentative
connectivity, and lack of protection for controlled unclassified and classified mission information. Installation of the HH-60 RTIC
capability will provide increased secure connectivity and situational awareness for the aircrews during all phases of flight. This appro