11. Background. Current upgrades to F-16Cs provide secure line-of-sight (SLOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications through the installation of one ARC-210 radio. The ARC-210 provides an improved ability to securely communicate with ground forces and command and control (C2) nodes, but does not allow simultaneous operations on SLOS/BLOS frequencies. Aerospace control alert (ACA) and combat theater operations require simultaneous SLOS/BLOS communications to concurrently maintain contact with both C2 and friendly forces. A second ARC-210 upgrade permits growth to extended data and image transfer when linked to an advanced display. The combination of two ARC-210s, plus a legacy radio (three radios total), provides simultaneous in-theater communications on a C2 frequency, a secure tactical frequency with ground forces, and an intra-flight frequency. A three radio configuration enables monitoring C2, air traffic control, and intra-flight frequencies simultaneously when executing homeland defense (HD) missions. The integration of noise-cancelling and three-dimensional audio simplifies interpretation of simultaneous radio calls by spatially separating aural warning and radio signals. Additionally, three-dimensional audio provides angular cueing to ground and air threats when used in conjunction with a helmet-mounted cueing system. These capabilities are critical to operations in remote areas, dense threat environments, and dynamic HD missions.

2. Source of Need. Tactical Air Forces 303-76-I/II/III-A SORD for the F-16C/D; Combat Air Forces ORD 303-76-I/II/III-D F-16C/D Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) ORD, 14
Aug 2000; CENTCOM UON; NORTHCOM Integrated Priority List; 2012-2013 ARC WEPTAC
Conference; 2014 ARC WEPTAC Council.

4. Units Impacted:
All C-130 Units
All F-16 Units
All A-10 Units
All KC-135 Units
All C-17 Units
All F-15 units
All C-130 Units

5. Recommendation:

It is the recommendation of NGAUS and the National Guard Bureau, the Department of Defense and the Congress of the United States to authorize and appropriate funding to:

Provide additional funding for the F-16 , A-10, F-15, C-130 ,KC-135, C-17 aircraft 3 Dimensional Audio capability to the aircrew in the FY 17 Defense Appropriation Bill and beyond until complete.