1. Background. MQ-1/MQ-9 aircraft lack sufficient means to establish and maintain communications with Command and
Control (C2) and tactical agencies in the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Line-of-sight (LOS) voice communication is limited to
a single ARC-210 radio and the connectivity of the Ground Control Station (GCS) enabling use of off-board, beyond line-ofsight
(BLOS) voice capabilities such as Defense Switching Network (DSN), Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), and Radio
Over Internet Protocol (ROIP). These systems are stand-alone and often require simultaneous operations during mission
execution. . The capability must include provisions for clear, consistent, reliable and timely communications across
all enclaves. It should consist of a single interface and a single-point reception and transmission capability, integrating
inter- and intra-GCS communication, intelligence personnel, aircraft ARC-210, and GCS DSN and IP-based voice systems.

2. Source of Need. Capability Production Document (CPD) for MQ-9 HUNTER-KILLER paragraph 14c(2)(c), 8 Aug 2006; Air
Force Central Command (AFCENT) Urgent Operational Need (UON) Combat Air Forces (CAF) 301-12, 17 Feb 2012; 2013
ARC WEPTAC Critical Capability.

3. Impact If Not Funded. Without DL and data transfer capability, aircrew flexibility and situational awareness is
inadequate in current and evolving mission environments. Critical battle space information is not available to aircrew
members or to monitoring C2 agencies tasked with execution of the assigned missions. Additionally, the inability to rapidly
transfer critical information will further hamper battle space driven adjustment to mission requirements and increases the
potential for damage to the aircraft and/or loss of life.