T-Series Model-N

Airborne Data Link

The Model-N Airborne Data Link is a highly programmable wideband
networked data link developed for use on manned aircraft. The design
features exportable Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology and was
derived from the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) program that
introduced an open system communications architecture to support a broad
range of future users. The Model-N is a U.S. Common Data Link (CDL) and
Data Link Products

NATO STANAG 7085 compliant system supporting data rates up to 45 Mbps.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Model-N is a member of L-3
Communications' T-Series Product Line. The
T-Series architecture of open, modular, and
scalable hardware and software components
enables simple adaptation to a wide range of
platforms and interfaces providing
lower manufacturing and upgrade
costs. The Model-N was fielded in
2002 and has been used operationally
on the HH-60, C-130, P-3, and other
Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

The Model-N Airborne Terminal

Equipment (ATE) consists of a Compact
PCI based conduction cooled Airborne Modem
Assembly (AMA), Radio Frequency Equipment
(RFE) which contains a 70W Power Amplifier,
and a Horn/Omni antenna assembly. The data
rates, modulation techniques, and transmission
frequencies are fully interoperable with other CDL
compatible terminals. The ATE is used to
transmit and receive user data and commands
through Ethernet, RS-170, MIL-STD-1553, and
other optional interfaces.
The Model-N ATE is an IP based system
providing network connectivity across one or
multiple high capacity wireless RF links. The
system provides standard IP routing and IP
multicast services for capacities up to 30 Mbps.
The networking protocols used are based on
industry internet standards to guarantee
interoperability with COTS networking equipment,
and to provide compliance with the JTA. The
implementation provides low network overhead
maximizing data throughput across limited RF
media bandwidth. The terminal is CDL Appendix II
Annex A compliant supporting standard
CDL/TCDL data rates from 200 kbps to 45 Mbps,
both symmetric and asymmetric. (Other non-CDL
data rates are available.) The terminal is
configurable to transmit and receive in the
standard CDL Ku-Band frequencies with an option
for dual band (X and Ku-Band) capabilities. This
gives the Model-N capability to be configured as
an airborne, surface, or relay terminal.

KEY FEATURES & OPTIONS

Features Options
l 45 Mbps Digital Data Link l Dual-Band (X and Ku)
l IP Networked l 16 Channel Analog I/F
640 North 2200 West l Flexible I/O l CDL Appendix ll, Annex A compliance
P.O. Box 16850 l MPEG 2 Color Video Compression l MIL-STD-1553B Interface
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
U.S. Toll Free: 800-874-8178
l Spread Spectrum at 200 kbps Rate
International: +801-594-2000 l Encryption
FAX: 801-594-3003 l Combination Directional & Omni Antenna
www.L-3com.com/csw
Cleared by DoD/OSR for Public Release under 04-S-2658 on 9 September 2004
SPECIFICATIONS
Model-N Airborne Data Link
SPECIAL FEATURES PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
l Secure full duplex voice and data capability Airborne Modem Assembly
l Overall Size Dual and Single Band: 10.8” x 8.5” x 24.3”
l Full duplex, symmetric or asymmetric operation l Weight: Dual and Single Band: 42.5 lbs.
l Software programmable modem l Power Consumption: Dual Band 475 Watts, 400 Hz, Single
l Optional data rates Band 380 Watts, 400 Hz
RFE Assembly
l Upgradable for air-to-air operations using either omni or l Overall Size Dual: 15.0” x 4.5” x 19.8”
directional antennas Single: 12.0” x 4.5” x 19.8”
l
Partitioning allows easy expansion for additional l Weight: Dual Band: 35 lbs., Single Band: 24 lbs.
personality cards - multi sensor systems - and l Power Consumption: Dual Band 746 Watts, 400 Hz
other requirements Single Band: 700 Watts, 400 Hz
Dual Band Antenna
l Overall Size: 11” x 6.75” Dia. l Weight: 6.75 lbs.
Power Supplied by RFE
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
l

Data Link Products

Horn / Omni Combo Antenna
Power: l
Overall Size: 10.9” x 6.75” x 6.75” l
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
l Dual 1221 Watts; Single Band 1080 Watts at 120 VAC, l Power Supplied by RFE
3 Phase, 400 Hz
Bit Error Rate (at range limit):
l 10-8 without encryption
Range at 10.71 Mbps:
l Up to 150 Nmi, depending on weather conditions, platform
altitude, and surface terminal
RF:
l Horn/Omni antenna standard
l 70 W MPM standard
l Ku-Band frequency ranges:
Forward link: 15.15 -15.35 GHz Optional Dual Band Configuration
Return link: 14.40 -14.83 GHz
l X-Band frequency ranges:
Forward link: 9.750 -9.950 GHz
Return link: 10.150 -10.425 GHz
l Tuning: 5 MHz steps across band
Programmable Data Rates:
l Full duplex 200 kbps, 2 Mbps, 10.71 Mbps, 21.42 Mbps,
and 44.73 Mbps both symmetric and asymmetric
l Other non-CDL Data Rates available
Sensor Interface Options:
l RS-170/NTSC Color, MPEG 2 compression For further information on Model-N
Other sensor interface options available Airborne Data Link contact:
l 16 Channel Analog I/F
L-3 Communications
User Interface Options: Communication Systems - West
l MIL-STD-1553B for navigator interface
640 North 2200 West, P.O. Box 16850
l 10/100 BaseT Ethernet Salt Lake City, Utah 84116-0850
Environmental: U.S. Toll Free: 800-874-8178
l Humidity: 0-90%, non-condensing, condensing optional International: +801-594-2000
l Vib/shock 1.5 G RMS, 6 G shock operating, 20 G non-operational Fax: 801-594-3003
www.L-3com.com/csw
MTBF:
l Exceeds 1500 Hrs E-mail: CSW.Products@L-3com.com
Audio: Data contained within this document are
l Full-duplex toll quality voice summary in nature and subject to change at any
time at L-3 Communications’ discretion.

©2008 All Rights Reserved. L-3/CSW 04/04/08