Flexible access secure transfer (FAST) tactical communications waveform for airborne networking

The military capabilities necessary to realize DOD's vision on network centric operation depends upon achieving information and decision superiority through the implementation of an IP enabled jam resistant airborne networking waveform that extends the capabilities of the GIG into the tactical edge airborne and space environments. This paper describes a novel communication protocol called flexible access secure transfer (FAST) for airborne networking waveform that enables low latency communication for time sensitive tactical networking in addition to providing mobile ad-hoc networking in high mobility tactical edge operations. FAST is being developed to operate as a new mode for JTRS networking waveform primarily as an airborne Intranet. It can also be deployed in many of existing Air Force fighters equipped with multifunctional informational distribution system (MlDS) without integration impact to these platforms.