USAF Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN)

USAF - Aircraft Systems Engineer

At a Glance

• Led systems engineering for outfitting, upgrading, and sustaining both manned (E‑11A) and unmanned (EQ‑4B Global Hawk) platforms with BACN payloads—serving as airborne, high-altitude data-link gateways facilitating voice, imagery, and tactical data relay.
• Engineered integration of tactical data link systems (e.g., Link‑16, SADL, SATCOM, UHF/VHF radios) into BACN to enable real-time interoperability among heterogeneous air, ground, and coalition assets.
• Coordinated modification testing, FAA/TAA airworthiness certification, and sustainment operations to ensure BACN-equipped Global Hawks and E‑11As maintained continuous beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications capability in demanding theaters, including persistent 24/7 orbits.
• Collaborated with industry partners on rapid fielding and modifications of this Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON).

  

  
  

  ________________________________________________________________
   
  Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) Overview
  What is BACN?
  BACN is a high-altitude airborne gateway—deployed onboard both unmanned EQ‑4B Global Hawks and manned E‑11A aircraft—designed to act as a universal translator and relay between disparate tactical data and voice systems. It enables seamless, real-time communication across the battlespace, overcoming line-of-sight limitations, terrain, and incompatible systems.

Core Capabilities & Mission Impact

• Relay & Translation: BACN bridges systems like Link‑16, SADL, UHF/VHF, SATCOM, and imagery links—allowing units with no direct compatibility to communicate and share situational awareness without hardware modifications.
• High-Altitude Persistence: When mounted on Global Hawk UAVs, BACN operates from altitudes above 60,000 ft for endurance missions exceeding 30 hours, ensuring persistent comms coverage.
• Terrain Mitigation: BACN overcomes communication challenges in mountainous or extended-range theaters, ensuring connectivity for air and surface forces and enhancing common operational pictures.
• Recognition of Excellence: In 2010, BACN and its industry collaborators received the Network Centric Warfare Award for significantly advancing battlefield communications.

Platforms & Program Evolution

• EQ‑4B Global Hawk: Four unmanned Global Hawks retrofitted with BACN payloads sustain high-altitude data relay roles.
• E‑11A (Modified Global 6000/BD‑700): A commercial business jet adapted as a BACN platform—dubbed “Wi‑Fi in the sky”—providing rapid deployment comms relay.
• The USAF maintains a fleet comprising both platforms to ensure mission flexibility.