maitya wrote:Betw rakall, wonder if this datalink dev was for the KA-31 based AEW platform or not - this is what Harry said (in '04) in Acig long back:
The secondary strength of the Ka-31 is it's advanced real-time datalinking capability, which will introduce airborne network centric warfare to the Indian Navy. The secure datalink and onboard communication systems have a range of 150 km, at altitudes between 4,950 and 11,000 feet
Note the range (for comparision JTIDS (Class 2) has 232mi range) - pretty decent if an air/air fighter-class variant can be developed out of it.
Ref:
Indian-Subcontinent Database
I think the Ka-31 datalink is different from LinkII... it might be a integral part of Ka31 AEW.. and probably the first data link to be "operated" by the IN if you go by the comments on BR Ka31 page..
However IN foresaw the need for datalink in 1994 and mandated BEL for the system which at that time was called Adlinc.. this was completed in 1998 (
http://www.drdo.org/pub/techfocus/aug98/self.htm).. however IN found this system unacceptable for operation on aircraft and submarines due to large size.. IN released additional funds in 98 itself to improve the system and though it was still loosely referred to as Adlinc in some sources, the improved system was given the name LinkII and this was trialled in 2001 and found acceptable.. by Feb02 first deliveries had taken place.. (
http://mod.nic.in/samachar/april1-02/html/nd.htm)
Probably the same system or a tweaked version is being taken on board by IAF for use in its fighters.. the brochure that Arun posted confirms the datarate at 2.4kbps
which is 'sufficient'.. though as time goes by it can be improved..
We surely need to findout what is the range for LinkII, weight and other specifics related to fighter a/c use
CABS AEW&C can transmit coded data at 64kbps to 40 airborne platforms which is once again text and co-ords, not SAR maps etc.. the Nishant datalink can send realtime video & pictures over 160Km.. despite my persistance the guy refused to divulge the datarate for Nishant datalink saying "it depends on the amount of jam resistance you want etc"..
now depending on the weight, size, g-force rating is it possible to tweak/tailor Nishant datalink to fighter a/c use ?? 160km range LOS if you can do video and pictures for fighters surely is very good.. but can that be done?
Another thing to clarify is Ka31 has a datalink of its own.. now suppose in the vicinity there is an ALH or Su30 with LinkII..
can they recieve info directly from Ka31 with it's datalink or can they recieve info from another LinkII platform only?